The II Dominican Republic Global Film Festival (DRGFF), together with the Global Media Arts Institute (GMAI), initiatives of GFDD and FUNGLODE, promote the realization of formative activities with the objective of cultivating young talent, training seasoned multimedia professionals and enhancing public awareness, understanding and appreciation of the media arts. Classes, workshops and panel discussions will be organized in Santo Domingo, Santiago, Nagua, Puerto Plata and Higüey. All events will be open to the public, free of charge.

In addition to the screening of 26 feature length films and 10 documentaries, the educational series of master classes, panels and workshops will serve to complement the numerous activities that will form part of this year’s Festival, will take place November 19-23, 2008.

Topics and themes for these classes originate from the professional interests of aspiring filmmakers, many of whom are students at the Global Media Arts Institute (GMAI), a training initiative that has been helping to establish a well-trained and highly professional work force, in turn strengthening the development of the cinematographic industry in the Dominican Republic.

DRGFF is one of the few Festivals in the world that organizes interactive panels, providing a forum for invaluable dialogue exchange between filmmakers, aspiring Dominican industry professionals, students and the public in general.

The educational program includes: masters classes on creating documentaries, screenwriting, animation and distribution; acting workshops in Spanish and English; panels on topics such as co-production, financing, production, women in the industry, screenwriting and making films that contribute to social change.

Among the many inspirational personal stories, is that of Carlos Argüello, who started his own animation company, Studio C. His vast experience at Walt Disney, Pacific Data Images and Cinesite propelled him, along with six others, to establish this cutting edge visual effects company in Antigua, Guatemala. Studio C now employs nearly 70 people in all areas of digital production and is among the most important visual effects studios in the film world. Now revered in this area of the industry, Carlos's road to success has not always been an easy one. As a young boy, he had to overcome learning disability related challenges, yet his passion, perseverance and immense talent made it possible for him to fulfill his dreams.

Expert skill is not the only criteria for selection for the panels and master classes. What is even more important is the ability to transfer knowledge in a way that motivates and inspires. The Dominican Republic Global Film Festival has carefully selected professionals that are passionate about both their work and the idea of imparting their knowledge and experiences with a public eager to further their understanding of the industry.

For complete information concerning dates and times, please visit:
http://www.drglobalfilmfestival.org/drgff2008/paneles_en.asp