New York, August 5 - 2010
On Thursday, 22 July, the Ministry of Culture of the Dominican Republic approved legislation that will facilitate the development of the country’s flourishing film industry. The greatly anticipated enactment of the law marks the end of a five year legislative process that began in 2005, under the leadership of the nation’s President, Dr. Leonel Fernández.
In a statement, the Minister of Culture, José Rafael Lantigua, expressed that the law forms part of a parcel of legal acts intended to strengthen cultural development, which in addition to the Film Law includes the Archives Law and the Book and Libraries Law. The Ministry of Culture sees the Film Law as an important tool in both the advancement of national film industry and the country’s emergence as a regional Mecca for international production. The law, unquestionably, signifies a substantial achievement for local cinematographers and foreign investors and producers alike.
The law will allow for the establishment of a fund that will finance local productions and educational opportunities in cinematography within the country. The legal measure will also provide fiscal incentives for foreign filmmakers, including a 16% ITBIS tax exemption, custom fee immunity for the transport of film equipment, and the abolishment of filming permits.
It with great pride that we at Global Foundation for Democracy and Development (GFDD) and Fundación Global Democracia y Desarrollo (FUNGLODE) share this recent achievement with our collaborators and supporters. We believe that the exciting advancements currently taking place within the country’s film industry represent critical opportunities for national social, cultural and economic development, and we believe that the Global Media Arts Institute (GMAI) and the Dominican Republic Global Film Festival (DRGFF) serve as critical vehicles for such progress.
Through our Global Media Arts Institute (GMAI), we develop year-round training programs as part of our overall mission to provide instruction to emerging Dominican professionals in the field of film and television production, and to contribute to the advancement of the country’s multimedia industry.
Additionally, since its inception in 2006, DRGFF has become one of the
foremost annual cultural and educational events in the country, uniting national
and international industry experts, aspiring artists, film aficionados, students
and all interested in developing greater understanding of the challenges
impacting the global community. The Festival connects Dominican filmmakers with
acclaimed industry professionals from across the world. This opportunity for the
country’s filmmakers to learn and network with the industry’s best is like no
other, providing Dominican professionals with the necessary tools to take their
artistic aspirations to the next level, better enabling them to achieve both
national and international success. In addition to providing world-class
training to Dominican emerging artists and experienced professionals, the
Dominican Republic Global Film Festival also fulfills the essential need to
present the country and the Dominican filmmaking community to international
filmmakers, promoting filming and production in the Dominican Republic by
spotlighting the country’s natural beauty, cultural wealth, modern
infrastructure and competent labor force.
See Official Law Document.
Film Law Passed by Ministry of Culture of the
Dominican Republic
August 5, 2010
Dominican Republic Film Festival Calls for Entries for the Short Film Competition
June 15, 2010
Winner of Dominican Short Film Competition to be Shown in New York at Latino Film Fest
May 26, 2010
Gabriela Latorre Presents Short Films at Cannes Film Festival
May 20, 2010
DRGFF Team at Cannes Festival Meets with Haitian Filmmaker Raoul Peck
May 15, 2010
Dominican Republic Global Film Festival Team at Cannes 2010
May 15, 2010
Dominican Republic Global Film Festival Hands Out People’s Awards From its Third Annual Festival
April 21, 2010
DRGFF attends SXSW Film Conference and Festival
March 12, 2010
DRGFF visits Miami International Film Festival, March 5-14, 2010
March 5-14, 2010
DRGFF Team attend Cartagena's 50th International Film Festival
March 21, 2010
Winner or the Short Films Competition
PEDRO DE BELLA VISTA Y SU SUEÑO won the I Short Film Competition of the III DR Global Film Festival, 2009. Rodrigo Montealegre, which name already sounds like a filmmaker, took a huge step forward in his career recently.
more information