The Dominican Republic Will Participate in the Shanghai International Film Festival (SIFF)

Shanghai, China, June 14, 2019 – Three important Dominican film projects will represent the country in the 22nd annual Shanghai International Film Festival (SIFF), which is scheduled to take place from June 15-24, in Shanghai, China.

Founded in 1993, the SIFF is the only non-specialized competitive international film festival in China. The Festival is accredited by the International Federation of Associations of Film Producers (FIAPF), and is considered done of the most important film festivals in Asia.

The Dominican Republic will participate in this important film event, with the presentation of two Dominican films: La boya (The Buoy, non-official translation), directed by David Maler, in the Panorama category. The goal of this category is to present new film directors from all over the world, and La fiera y la fiesta (The Beast and the Party, non-official translation) directed by Laura Amelia Guzmán and Israel Cárdenas, in the Kaleidoscope category. This category presents the films that feature the latest tendencies of distinguished international films.

In this aspect, film director David Maler stated:

La boya is a very special project for me. I allowed myself to play research and explore more in this project than in my other films. I think one can easily see on the screen the search for a transparent style. I wanted to capture the ambiguity of the characters, treat them as the complex beings that we are, where the good and the bad can both live within the same person. I was lucky enough to work with an incredible team, and exceptional actors. I learned a lot from this film and I fully enjoyed the process. I am very proud of the final product.

At the same time, the film’s executive producer, Nashla Bogaert explained:

Simply thrilled to announce the world premiere of the film La boya in one of the most recognized international film festivals. In Asia. It is an honor to show our film in this particular scenario. We truly appreciate the possibility given to us by our film incentive laws, in order to produce world-class films. La boya is an exquisite film. The general audience will be able to enjoy the film in their local theaters.

At the same time, the director of the film La fiera y la fiesta, Laura Amelia Guzmán, comments that after years of researching her uncle Jean-Louis Jorge’s private files, and an exhaustive search for material filmed by him before his death, she called on some of his friends and actors to begin production of the film. It is a fantastic tale inspired in anecdotes from the time period involved, in real events, in future projects and, above all, in the love and respect that everyone felt for Jean-Louis Jorge. I truly thank everyone who supported us in this mad attempt to perpetuate his work.

The film’s producer, Gabriel Tineo, highlights that premiering the films in Asia – after a first premiere in the Berlinale Festival, is a recognition not only to the work carried out by Laura Amelia and Israel, but it is also an important promotion for the Dominican tourism industry and its beautiful natural scenery. We are very pleased and encouraged with our participation in the Shanghai International Film Festival, because it will open new opportunities in other markets and the promotion of our national art.

Another film being featured is Chowfan, directed by María Victoria Hernández. The film is participating in two categories: The Belt and Road Film Week, where its producer Aihui Dong will have the opportunity to pitch his film before producers and distributors. The country was also invited to the China Film Night of the SIFF, where the China Film Co. LTD., China’s largest film producer will announce its 2019-2020 projects. Chowfan is one of these projects, and it will be hte first joint project carried out between the Dominican Republic and China.

Yvette Marichal, General Director of DGCINE, highlighted:

Another step forward for the Dominican Republic! We are definitely crossing borders and presenting our film industry to the world, thanks to Law No. 108-10. We congratulate Laura Amelia Guzmán, Israel Cárdenas, David Maler and María Victoria Hernández for being part of this successful venture. We wish them the best!

La boya will be exhibited on June 17, 21 and 22, while La fiera y la fiesta will be shown on June 19, 21 and 22.

To learn more about the Festival, please visit: Shanghai International Film Festival.