FUNGLODE/GFDD Call for Entrants for 2008 Book Awards

With the presentation of books by the 2007 literary and journalism award winners, FUNGLODE/GFDD used the opportunity to announce the opening of its 2008 contest.

Other news included the fact that, beginning this year, the competition will be open to all foreigners who hold legal residence in the Dominican Republic for at least five years.

The activity took place in the conference hall where FUNGLODE is set up for this year’s 11th International Book Fair, inaugurated last Monday April 21 at Culture Plaza in Santo Domingo.

Iban Campos, FUNGLODE’s Director of Communication, presented the three prize-winning books from last year in the category of Poetry, Short Story and Journalism. The Pedro Francisco Bonó Essay Award went unclaimed.

Mr. Campo announced the opening of the awards’ contest for 2008. “Starting today the contest is open. Works of Poetry, Essays, Short Stories, Journalism, Short Films, Documentaries and Photography will be accepted until 4:00 p.m. on October 1. Contestants can present their work in the FUNGLODE offices here or in Washington D.C. or the New York office of the Global Foundation for Democracy and Development (GFDD)“.

He later referred to the newest item in this year’s categories. “We were overlooking an important category: the novel. But this year, with the creation of the Federico García Godoy Award, novelists will also have the opportunity to compete.”

Other news included the fact that, beginning this year, the competition will be open to all foreigners who hold legal residence in the Dominican Republic for at least five years.

The book presentation and announcement of the 2008 Awards ended with the hosts giving several copies of books, in their category, to last year’s winners. The event, overseen by Iban Campo, was also organized by Yamile Eusebio, Coordinator of Educational Activities.