More than 400 students from across the territory were treated to a cinematic experience they’ll never forget, thanks to a special event featuring none other than Anthony Mackie, the actor currently portraying Captain America in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

The event, made possible through the generosity of the Tim Duncan Foundation, invited students from public, private, and parochial schools in the U.S. Virgin Islands to watch a screening of Captain America alongside Mackie himself. The screening took place at Caribbean Cinemas, where students not only enjoyed the film but also engaged in a live Q&A session with the Hollywood star, who spoke directly and candidly with the young audience.

According to organizers, Mackie’s presence had a profound effect on the students, many of whom were seeing a major actor not only on screen, but also in person for the first time.

Rashidi Clenance of Vivid Streaming, who helped coordinate the event, shared his reflections: “I’ve been blessed to have met a few actors, and Anthony Mackie is by far the greatest of them all. The children of the Virgin Islands couldn’t get a more impactful figure to impart words of encouragement.”

He continued, “Mr. Mackie’s message to the students, coupled with his engagement during the question and answer, far exceeded my grandest expectations. The entire experience was a true blessing for everyone who witnessed it.”

The Tim Duncan Foundation, known for championing community enrichment initiatives, covered all costs associated with the event, just as it has in the past for previous movie screenings. Among the films previously sponsored by the Foundation for educational or cultural enrichment are The Butler, Hidden Figures, and Bob Marley: One Love.

In his remarks, Clenance also acknowledged the work of John Wheatley and Laurika Jude in efforts to build a film infrastructure for young people in the territory, stating that this initiative was created to support and complement that goal.

The success of the event was due in large part to collaboration between various community entities. Organizers expressed special thanks to the following partners:

• Tim Duncan Foundation

• Vivid Streaming Staff

• Neighborhood Pharmacy

• Seaborne Airlines

• Virgin Islands Department of Education

• Virgin Islands Police Department

• The Buccaneer Hotel

• Frenchman’s Reef Hotel

• Ashy Bermudez

• Caribbean Cinemas

• Luis Cintron

• The Robinson Twins

The event stood as a memorable moment not only for the young attendees but also for organizers, educators, and community leaders who witnessed the powerful combination of entertainment, education, and inspiration.

Anthony Mackie, whose portrayal of Captain America has earned global acclaim, continues to be a role model off-screen as well.