Benito Zambrano and the Art of Storytelling

Benito Zambrano and the Art of Storytelling
Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, 8/20/2012

The hall was empty except for the echo of a party going on in the next room and a look of desire to exchange anecdotes and better understand other realities. This is about the anxiety of a mind that lives to creates stories, an individual who is always prepared to talk about the details of a dreamer who turns his fantasies into reality for others to enjoy. Yes, Benito Zambranowas a bit tired but, as always, he was ready and willing to talk and share his ideas.

Recently Zambrano returned to Santo Domingo and developed an intense series of activities including a creative workshop with directors, screenwriters and Dominican actors. It was jointly organized with the Spanish Embassy in Santo Domingo and FUNGLODE’s Global Media Arts Institute.

Once upon a time…

Three does not sound like much but based on the impact caused by his three films (“Solas”, “Habana Blues” and “La vozdormida”), Benito Zambrano has left an undisputable mark in the world of film. As director and scriptwriter, the essential requirement to make a good movie is to tell a good story.

“For me, it is about the stories you tell. A movie that you don’t fill with content will be an empty film that, in the end, will not transmit anything. Without scripts and good stories, it is very difficult to do something that is worth the trouble,” said Zambrano.

He spoke these words at a seminar on film directing and technique to students at the UASD film school. It won’t be long before his presence will be once again felt in the country.

Film Days

Recently Zambrano returned to Santo Domingo and developed an intense series of activities including a creative workshop with directors, screenwriters and Dominican actors. It was jointly organized with the Spanish Embassy in Santo Domingo and FUNGLODE’s Global Media Arts Institute.

In his various encounters with the public, the subject of the Film Law came up. “The laws are there and they should be used to the max,” exclaimed Zambrano. “There is the possibility to produce a lot of films but the movies should be more than a business venture. This is the commitment and responsibility of the filmmakers: make films that can help the Dominican Republic to become culturally richer.”

New Doors

The workshop ended with a roundtable discussion between Zambrano,Dominican film critic, Félix Manuel Lora, Director General of Film,Ellis Peréz and other professionals of Dominican film. The public had the opportunity to interact with Zambrano and to discuss various topics related to film, such as scriptrights, what to take into consideration when casting a film, editing and other such issues.

The night was not yet over for Zambrano. It was his last day but he still had lots to do. “Yes, I want to open a space here, one withsome  possibilities for my new-found friends,” he said when asked about returning to the Dominican Republic.

“The beautiful thing is to find new doors where you can return.” He breathed deeply, cordially said goodbye and continued on his way, getting lost in the crowd. The work of a dreamer never ends.

Joan Prats/7dias.com.do.