Dominican Film Showcase Airs in Washington, DC This Spring

Partnering with the Art Museum of the America’s of the OAS, the Department of Sustainable Development of the OAS, the Dominican Republic Permanent Representative to the OAS and the Dominican Republic Embassy to the White House, GFDD is delighted to announce the second edition of the 2013 Dominican Film Showcase Program. The event will take place in Washington, DC on April 9-12, at the OAS’s Art Museum of the Americas as a CineAmericas
initiative.

The program will include the screenings of El rey de Najayo (The King of Najayo), Pelotero: Ballplayer and La lucha de Ana (Anna’s Struggle). Additionally, one of the days will be dedicated to GFDD produced shorts, such as Pico Duarte, Lago Enriquillo (Lake Enriquillo), Barquitos de Papel and the winner of DREFF’s Globo Verde
Dominicano 2012 Award, De Espaldas al Mar (Turning Our Backs to the Ocean.) All films are in Spanish with English subtitles.

During the four intense days of the program, GFDD will present the Dominican Republic under a constructive, positive and engaging light introducing it through the work of young Dominican filmmakers. The filmmakers and protagonists, who will be in attendance at their respective film, will take spectators for a behind the scenes
delve into the topics and production of the movies.

Opening Night: Tuesday, April 9, at 6:00pm
Location: AMA*
GFDD’s institutional video
Film: El Rey de Najayo (The King of Najayo)
Director: Fernando Baez

El Rey de Najayo is the dramatic story of Julian, a Dominican drug lord who despite his confinement in prison, was still able to maintain Dominican society in a state of suspense, for over 13 years. Q&A will follow the screening with the director, Fernando Báez, after which an opening cocktail will be offered at the Museum’s Logia, on the first floor. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kwBjcInnooE

Wednesday, April 10, at 6:30pm
Location: AMA*
Film:  Pelotero: Ballplayer
Directors: Ross Finkel, Trevor Martin, Jon Paley

In the run-up to the most important day of their lives, two young Dominican baseball players confront competition and corruption to achieve their Big-League dreams. Q&A with the directors will follow the screening. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=idwhWLo_JSM

Thursday, April 11, at 6:30pm
Location: AMA*
Series of Shorts:
Pico Duarte
De Espaldas al Mar
Lago Enriquillo
Barquitos de Papel

The series of short films masterfully depict the enchanting nature of the Dominican republic, particularly its coastal and marine ecosystems. The shorts raise the problem of environment protection and the contribution of the society to preserve it. Discussion and Q&A about GFDD’s efforts to document Dominican Republic environment and biodiversity with experts in the subject will follow.

Closing Night: Friday, April 12, at 6:30pm
Location: AMA*
Film: La lucha de Ana (Anna’s Struggle)
Director: Bladimir Abud

La lucha de Ana is the story of Ana, a flower seller who seeks justice for a murdered son. Q&A with the director, Vladimir Abud, will follow the screening. http://www.youtube.com/embed/2WoYzR0GJpQ

*AMA Art Museum of the Americas, 1201 18th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20006.

About the Dominican Film Showcase

In an effort to endorse the
burgeoning film industry of the Dominican Republic, Global Foundation for Democracy and Development created the initiative the Dominican Film Showcase, which seeks to share and celebrate the stories, history and talent of the Dominican Republic with international audiences, through spotlighting a sample of the best films produced in the Dominican Republic by Dominican filmmakers on Dominican topics.

www.dominicanfilmshowcase.org