Nicolas Cage says he plans to cut back on acting

NASSAU, Bahamas -- After roles in 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,"Cage 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."

Cage was in Nassau late Friday to receive the Chopard Award for career achievement. 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 owns a house in Paradise Island and bought an undeveloped private island in the Exuma Cays earlier this year, said he wants to give back to his new home.

"My hope for the festival is that it continues to grow and ... that will allow me to bring in the people I know in the industry and hopefully that will stimulate conversations between the older, seasoned talent with the young, hungry talent that's displayed here," said Cage, who won a best-actor Oscar for 1995's "Leaving Las Vegas."

Some 50 narrative, documentary and short films from around the world are being showcased during the four-day festival, which began Thursday.