The city of Santiago sparkled this evening as it inaugurated the 4th edition of the Dominican Republic Global Film Festival (DRGFF). Adding to the glow of the bright lights and green carpet rolled out in front of the Regional University Center of Santiago (CURSA in Spanish) was the presence of actors, film critics, local and national politicians and many film buffs, all of whom were anxious for the lights to go down and the movie to start.

In keeping with the Festival’s annual slogan, “Global Issues, Personal Stories,” this evening’s feature film tells the story of a wealthy Bolivian family whose lives have been seriously altered by a drastic change in their economic situation. What could be more global and yet so personal in this day and age? 
“Zona Sur” (“Southern District”), by Bolivian director Juan Carlos Valdivia, looks at La Paz’s shifting social framework, provoked by the global recession, in a country where class divisions are part of the landscape. 
The film’s producer Joaquin Sanchez, representing director Valdivia, told the packed hall at the University that he and the entire team were honored to have been invited to the Dominican Republic Global Film Festival. 

“The theme of our film fits in with the theme of the Festival which is a universal story. We are honored to share this with all of you,” said Sanchez.

Dominican actor, Miguel Angel Martinez, told FUNGLODE that he too was honored and proud at what the organization has done these past four years with the Festival.

“The Dominican Republic is not just Bachata and baseball. We are curious, intelligent and have lots to offer. This effort by FUNGLODE has opened up the seventh art to all of us here. As it brings filmmakers, actors and projects from abroad, it is also encouraging the development of our own film industry,” said Martinez who was visibly moved by the size of the crowd that waited outside CURSA for the movie to begin. “I hope this Festival will become an institution here…it is a win-win situation for all of us.”
Former Dominican Senator Francisco Dominguez Brito said he couldn’t agree more that the DRGFF has changed many attitudes about film in the Dominican Republic.

“They very nature of the films, independent and intellectual, raises the bar for us all and we are obviously ready for the challenge,” said Mr. Brito.

Tonight’s inauguration was part of the DRGFF’s series of opening nights as the Festival kicks off this week – November 16-22. Films are being shown simultaneously in six cities around the country including Santo Domingo, Santiago, Puerta Plata, Nagua, Higuey, Cap Cana and, for the first time, Haiti’s capital Port au Prince, as part of the DR’s ongoing collaboration and support for its neighboring country.

“Zona Sur” won the World Cinema Documentary Editing Award at Sundance in 2010, among other awards. It was selected to represent Bolivia in the Best Foreign Language Film category at the 2010 Oscars.

 

See more photos on Santiago Opening night, Nov. 16>