Cage helps develop Bahamas indie cinema

NASSAU, Bahamas - After more than 55 films,

Nicolas Cage plans to cut back on acting to pursue other interests, such as helping develop independent cinema in his new home of the Bahamas.

"I'm thinking about taking more time in between movies," the Oscar winner told The Associated Press backstage at the third annual Bahamas International Film Festival.

"I feel I've made a lot of movies already and I want to start exploring other opportunities that I can apply myself to, whether it's writing or other interests that I may develop," he said.

Cage was in Nassau late Friday to receive the Chopard Award for career achievement. Fellow actor

Sean Connery, Cage's co-star in the 1996 thriller "The Rock," presented the award at the Atlantis Theater in Paradise Island.

"Nic is a professional and brings to the table all the stuff that makes it a real joy," Connery said.

Cage, who won a best-actor Oscar for 1995's "Leaving Las Vegas," owns a house in Paradise Island and bought an undeveloped private island in the Exuma Cays this year.

He said he hopes the film festival continues to grow. Some 50 narrative, documentary and short films from around the world are being showcased during the four-day festival, which began Thursday.

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On the Net

Bahamas International Film Festival: http://www.bahamasinternationalfilmfestival.c om/