Dominican Film Festival Kicks Off 14th Edition in Madrid

Madrid, Spain – Dominican cinema took center stage in the Spanish capital this week with the gala opening of the 14th "Todo Cine. Todo Dominicana" film festival, drawing a full house of more than 200 attendees to the iconic Cines Capitol on Gran Vía.

The event, organized by the Dominican Republic Embassy in Spain in collaboration with the General Directorate of Cinema (DGCINE), also received support from the Ministry of Culture, the Institute for Dominicans Abroad (Index), and the Dominican Consulate General in Madrid.

Among the prominent guests were Dominican Ambassador to Spain Tony Raful, Culture Minister Roberto Ángel Salcedo, Consul General José Marte Piantini, and DGCINE Director Marianna Vargas Gurilieva. Officials from Index Spain, members of the diplomatic corps, representatives from the cultural sector and Spanish press, and members of the local Dominican community also attended.

The inaugural event's highlight was the screening of "Sueños Dorados" (Golden Dreams), a documentary directed by Mariano Pichardo. The film pays tribute to celebrated athlete Marileidy Paulino.

"Sueños Dorados" traces Paulino’s journey from her beginnings in Don Gregorio, Nizao, to her triumph as a gold medalist at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. There, she set a new world record in the women's 400-meter dash with a time of 48.17 seconds. The documentary celebrates her inspiring career, embodying values of effort, determination, and national pride.

Ambassador Raful underscored the festival's role as a platform for cultural exchange and international cooperation. "This exhibition is much more than a film series; it's a bridge between the Dominican Republic and Spain, connecting our creators with the international film industry," Raful said. "Through cinema, we show who we are, share our stories, and strengthen the bonds that unite us as sister nations."

Culture Minister Salcedo commended the embassy and organizers for maintaining the event, emphasizing "the importance of cinema as a tool for social transformation, a driver of cultural identity, and a bridge for collaboration between the Dominican Republic and Spain."

DGCINE Director Vargas Gurilieva noted that the showcase reflects the diversity and maturity of contemporary Dominican cinema, featuring voices across various formats and genres. She highlighted productions such as "Olivia y las nubes," "Pepe," and "Sugar Island" as examples of the industry's strength and diversity, demonstrating the Dominican Republic's growing stature as a regional leader in filmmaking.

Titles like "Bajo el mismo sol" (Under the Same Sun) and "Amanece en Samaná" (Dawn in Samaná) illustrate successful co-productions between Spain and the Dominican Republic, strengthening ties between both nations' film industries. More than 50 co-productions involving the Dominican Republic and multiple countries, including Spain, have been completed since the creation of the country's Film Law, a testament to robust cultural and cinematic connections.

The 14th "Todo Cine. Todo Dominicana" festival continues in various Madrid venues through Oct. 28 and from Nov. 3-5.

Its diverse program includes the award-winning "Sugar Island," a documentary honoring "The Godfather II" (partially filmed in Santo Domingo), and other notable titles like "Aire" (Air), "Olivia y las nubes" (Olivia and the Clouds), which will feature an animation panel, the drama "Madre, a dos centímetros de ti" (Mother, Two Centimeters From You), and the short film "Acordes del destino" (Chords of Destiny).

The festival aims to solidify its position as a key platform for cultural dissemination and cinematic cooperation, promoting Dominican creativity and fostering dialogue among creators, producers, and audiences in both countries. The complete program and related activities are available through the Embassy's official channels.