36 Full-Feature Films Will Be Projected During the II Dominican Republic Global Film Festival

A total of 36 feature-length fiction and documentary films have been confirmed to be screened during the second edition of the Dominican Republic Global Film Festival, which will be celebrated November 19-23, 2008. The Dominican Republic’s most prestigious international film festival will simultaneously be celebrated in five cities – Santo Domingo, Santiago, Puerto Plata, Higüey and Nagua, at 10 different venues, making it an event of unprecedented proportions. Under its motto, Global Issues, Personal Stories, the Festival – an initiative of Global Foundation for Democracy and Development (GFDD) and Fundación Global Democracia y Desarrollo (FUNGLODE) – will bring the Dominican Republic, the best of international film, while at the same time offering opportunities for learning, professional development and the creation of professional networks. The complete program, as well as all press releases and festival updates may be found on the Festival’s webpage at: www.drglobalfilmfestival.org.

“It is the only one that simultaneously presents films in five cities throughout the country…”

Natasha Despotovic, DRGFF Director, GFDD Executive Director and FUNGLODE Vice President, and Nicole Guillemet, DRGFF Programming and Production Consultant, lead the international and multidisciplinary team that during the first edition in 2006, achieved great success by bringing high quality productions to the country. In 2007, the Festival was cancelled days before due to the devastating effects of Tropical Storm Noel.

A One of a Kind Festival

Although film festivals of different magnitudes and themes abound worldwide, the Dominican Republic Global Film Festival is unique for various reasons. “It is the only one that simultaneously presents films in five cities throughout the country. It is the only one that brings films to public university auditoriums and works directly with schools. It is truly extraordinary in its mission to promote the cinematographic arts as a means of furthering understanding of the world and of topics of contemporary global importance,” affirmed Despotovic. In addition to being an event organized by non-profit organizations, the Dominican Republic Global Film Festival distinguishes itself by serving as a model platform from which to project the country as an ideal destination for the filming and production of films, thus promoting the film industry of the Dominican Republic, while contributing to the economic growth of the nation.

Details About the Festival

Additionally, this year for the first time, after all films screenings have taken place, audience members will have the opportunity to vote for Best Fiction and Best Documentary Film.

The Inaugural Ceremony will take place Wednesday, November 19 at the National Theater in Santo Domingo. The red carpet event will feature the screening of the film Sugar, the story of Miguel Sugar Santos, a Dominican baseball player and his quest to become part of Major League Baseball in order to be able to lift his family out of poverty. Prominent international and national figures in the world of cinema will be in attendance.

On Tuesday, November 18, Opening Nights will be celebrated in the cities of Santiago, Puerto Plata, Higüey and Nagua, with the participation of invited international and national guests.

Additionally, this year for the first time, after all films screenings have taken place, audience members will have the opportunity to vote for Best Fiction and Best Documentary Film.

To reinforce the mission of the Festival, the Global Media Arts Institute (GMAI), an initiative of GFDD and FUNGLODE, has produced a series of short films that will be showcased during the Festival, in accordance with its motto, Global Issues, Personal Stories, which seek to raise awareness amongst audience members of topics of both global and personal importance.

The Festival will also pay tribute to the founding partner of the Colombian distributor, Cineplex, Elba Rodríguez, one of the most successful film distributors in Latin America, and a pioneer in opening spaces for alternative cinema.

As during the previous edition, the Dominican Republic Global Film Festival will rely upon the participation of a team of volunteers that will interact with staff and invited guests, while forming part of the Festival’s various multidisciplinary teams, resulting in a highly enriching experience for all participants.

Register via the Festival’s webpage to receive updates on all Festival films, events and invited guests, obtain periodic bulletins, and participate in contests to win tickets.