The 2nd Dominican Global Film Festival Honors Elba McAllister

Adding to its already exciting events, the 2nd edition of the Dominican Global Film Festival is honoring Elba McAllister in a special tribute celebration, expected to become an annual event of the film festival, held this year November 19-23 in five cities throughout the country. Elba McAllister is Co-Founder, Partner and Executive President of the
Colombian film distribution company Cineplex, which is celebrating its 15th year of promoting alternative films in Latin America. The main tribute will take place the 20th, at 7:00 pm, at UASD’s Pedro Mir Library.

“Not only do we wish to pay homage to Cineplex but also to Elba for her courage and the incredibly good taste she has always displayed in choosing the best films from around the world to bring to Latin American countries,” said Nicole
Guillemet, DRGFF Program and Production Consultant.

For these past 15 years, Cineplex has shown nearly 200 high quality films that have been viewed in film festivals around the world. Eight years ago, Cineplex increased its distribution network to the rest of Central America. Cineplex also represents many Colombian film producers and helps them market their films in Latin America.

McAllister, Executive President of Cineplex and her husband Juan David
McAllister, Vice President of Cineplex, have worked tirelessly to bring the work of such directors as Wong Kar Wai, Claude Chabrol, Agnieszka Holland and Ken Loach to the Region.

“It has been a challenge to bring alternative film to Latin America in that most people have been exposed to films with million-dollar budgets, special effects and predictable endings,” said Elba McAllister. 

Films

As part of the planned homage, the Dominican Republic Global Film Festival will show several Cineplex films including 8 Women, Bella, Red Like the Sky, My Blueberry Nights, Caramel and The Band´s Visit.

McAllister will also give a masters class on film distribution, during which she will explain, among other things, how independent films captured 5.9% of the total Latin American market last year, as compared to 3.6% in 2003. During this class, McAllister will impart her knowlege with her future Dominican
colleagues.

“It is an honor that you have chosen us for this tribute although the real homage should be paid not to Cineplex but to the great filmmakers who, with their films, have captivated us for the first time; our greatest compensation is the satisfaction to be able to share these independent stories with all of Latin America,” said Elba McAllister.

About Cineplex

Cineplex began
its film distribution in Colombia in 1993, when it quickly positioned itself as one of the major distributors of high quality alternative film. With a critical eye for film selection, combined with the implementation of market strategies, Cineplex has distributed more than one hundred films. Showing their films initially in movie theaters, Cineplex now sells VHS and DVDs to television stations.

Beginning in April 2002, Cineplex found a distribution opportunit