Officials of the Ministry of tourism and the Consulate General of the Dominican Republic (DR), along with the DR Global Film Festival (DRGFF), are joining forces to bring together the travel and entertainment industries of Los Angeles to announce and celebrate the launching of the campaign “CLOSER THAN YOU THINK” on October 12, 2011 at L.A.LIVE.
Isabella Wall, California Representative of the Ministry of Tourism of the Dominican Republic, said: “We’ve put together a DOMINICAN SCENE with a non-traditional presentation of the destination that features arts and culture of our Caribbean nation, along with a first-time West Coast screening of the “CLOSER THAN YOU THINK” commercials and an exclusive screening of “DEL FONDO DE LA NOCHE” (from deep in the night) an award-winning feature film produced by Fundación Global Democracia y Desarrollo (FUNGLODE). The film relates the story of the Mirabal sisters, the Dominican heroines who were the victims of Dictator Trujillo for their political views and their fight against domestic violence. Their disappearance is said to have sparked the plot for his assassination on May 30th, 1961.”
Omar de la Cruz, Director of the DRGFF, said: “Our country has come a long way since those days. It’s a vibrant nation rich in history and beautiful warm people, that offers vast production possibilities to films like “THE GODFATHER II,” “PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: CURSE OF THE BLACK PEARL” and “THE GOOD SHEPARD,” among many others. We’d like to extend an invitation to the HOLLYWOOD community to join actors Geraldine Chaplin and Danny Glover in the 5th Edition of the DR Global Film Festival, November 15 to 20. There will be 50 feature films and documentaries showing and over 30 professional panels throughout the six days of the Festival. The proceeds from ticket sales will benefit homeless shelters in the northern city of Santiago. It is the most important film event in the Caribbean.”
Celeste Jimenez, Consul General of the Dominican Republic, added: “The Dominican Consulate is proud to be fostering a stronger relationship between the Dominican Republic and the Hollywood entertainment industry. It is especially gratifying to be involved in this effort following the recent announcement made by General Directorate of Cinema Ellis Pérez that “THE NATURAL CHILD” is the first film from DR to be accepted for 2012 Oscar consideration. This is truly a positive sign of things to come for the DR cinematography industry and Hollywood.”
