This contest has become a new contribution to the Festival which signifies yet another point in its favor in that the main objective of a competition of this type is to promote the short film industry in the Dominican Republic; to provide incentives for the creation and development of local productions; to stimulate and enrich the local film culture; to support the film community and provide Dominican professionals the opportunity to form work networks and to increase the visibility of local productions in the national and international film community.

Rodrigo Montealegre received the good news that “Pedro de Bella Vista and His Dream” had won the contest in a ceremony at the National Theater. As winner, Montealegre walked away with a digital camera and tripod, lights and a microphone, a course at the International Film School in San Antonio de Los Baños, Cuba and the economic support to develop his next short film project.

“Pedro, a Dominican shoeshine boy dreams of making a film. I, a film student, wanted to make a film about Pedro. After several discussion, disagreements and some promises we finally made the film. The documentary narrates the life of Pedro while revealing his dreams and then, there is a little surprise,” said Rodrigo.

Rodrigo Montealegre’s short film was screened before several of the films throughout the Festival along with the films made by the other finalists in the competition. All together, 11 short films were chosen from the group of young Dominican directors. The Film Festival gave these young people their first vote of confidence and encouragement in their hopefully long film careers.