Toronto – June 4, 2019: The Embassy of the Dominican Republic in Canada and the Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism with the support of The Dominican Republic Film Commission (DGCINE) hosted the 1st Official Dominican Film Showcase in Canada with much success last week.
From May 28 to 31, 2019, a selection of award-winning Dominican films was featured in the Ottawa-Gatineau area and in the city of Montreal. The free screenings, open to the public, gave movie lovers and Spanish film-enthusiasts a chance to immerse themselves in Dominican Spanish-language films. The three films, “Juanita”, “Colours” and “Hay un País en el Mundo” were selected to showcase the diversity of the new Dominican cinema and provide audience members with some insight into Dominican culture. Highlights of the Dominican Film Showcase 2019 include Leticia Tonos, director of “Juanita”, introducing her film and Mr. Jose Rafael Sosa, a renown Dominican Film Critic, presenting “Colours” and “Hay un País en el Mundo” to attendees during the opening nights in Ottawa and Montreal.
As part of all the activities, the film colloquium “Promoting culture through cinema” was held, at the UNAM facilities, with the presence of Leticia Tonos, film director, Michael Dobbin, Canadian film producer, Peddy García, director of the Film and Audiovisual Department of the Dominican Commissioner of Culture in the United States; Sylvie Jasen, Coordinator of International Projects at Carleton University; Alicia Mayer Gonzalez, director of the Canadian campus the UNAM-Canada; and the Dominican journalist and film critic José Rafael Sosa, who, during his speech, affirmed that the relationship between cinema and culture is reciprocal since values, knowledge, attitudes and rules of behaviour are transferred to each other.
“It was demonstrated, in a special way, the excellent reception of this 1st showcase, by presenting the documentary “There is a country in the world”, whose projection caused a wave of emotions in the audience of Montreal, both among nationals and foreigners, who on seven occasions celebrated with applause the production of José “Pinky” Pintor. And in particular case of the Dominican spectators, whom at large could not contain the weeping, fruit of the nostalgia and the feeling of pride that the documentary woke up in them”, expressed the Dominican Film Critic, Jose Rafael Sosa.
The ambassador of the Dominican Republic in Canada, Pedro Vergés Ciman, thanked the audience for the great reception of the three Dominican films, which are a sign of the commitment that many Dominican filmmakers have assumed by providing quality productions, said the head of Mission.
“Nearly one million Canadians a year come to visit us in the Dominican Republic, attracted by our hospitality and beautiful beaches. We are proud of it, and even more of those who come
back year after year and begin to build strong friendships. As a result, some visitors want to know more about us and watching our movies is a good starting point,” said Cosette Garcia, Director of the Dominican Republic Tourism Promotion office in Montreal, at the opening night in Montreal.
About the Dominican Republic
Well known for off-the-beaten-path excursions, rich culture, endless amenities and year-round perfect climate, Dominican Republic is a place like no other. Easily accessible via a direct flight from most major airports, it is an ideal oasis for celebrities, couples and families alike. From hiking trails to undiscovered beaches and world-class golf courses, here you can renew in our luxurious and diverse accommodations, explore ancient relics of centuries past, revel in Dominican fare, or enjoy ecotourism adventures in our magnificent national parks, mountain ranges and rivers.
Surrounded by the Caribbean Sea on the south and the Atlantic Ocean on the north, Dominican Republic features a variety of sports, recreation and entertainment options, exclusive cultural experiences like dancing, carnival festivities, plus Dominican specialties such as cigars, rum, chocolate, coffee, amber and larimar. Between the adventurous Puerto Plata, the lush Samaná, the historic Santo Domingo, the sunny Punta Cana, the luxe at La Romana, the bustling Barahona and so much more, each area has something for every type of traveler and budget.
In addition to its uncharted experiences coast to coast, the country has also generated a worldwide reputation for its warm, and hospitable people. With eight international airports and nine distinct ecological zones it has never been more accessible or appealing to explore Dominican Republic.
To learn more and begin planning your trip visit the Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism’s official website at: https://www.godominicanrepublic.com/
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