GFDD and FUNGLODE-Supported Film El Rey de Najayo Receives Rapturous Applause at the Opening Night Event of Dominican Film Festival in New York

Wednesday June 26th, 2013

New York, June 26, 2013

On Wednesday, June 26 in the Alumni Auditorium, Columbia University Medical Center, New York City, Global Foundation for Democracy and Development (GFDD) and its sister organization in the DR, FUNGLODE, participated as an honored guest at the Opening Night Red Carpet Event of the Dominican Film Festival in New York (DFFNY). The event celebrated the kick-off of a five day festival of the most spectacular Dominican films, with the screening of GFDD-supported film El Rey de Najayo.

Launched in 2011 by Cine Art Entertainment Productions, DFFNY promotes a new generation of Dominican filmmakers as well as established ones, its film industry and strengthens the vital and expanding economic and cultural relationship with the United States. DFFNY aims to keep New York City audiences informed about Dominican Cinema and its relation to the history, politics and social life, as treated by the film makers, through the subject matter and aesthetic approach.

This year, the Festival is in part made possible through the collaboration and support of GFDD and FUNGLODE, which has resulted in more quality Dominican-focused films in an effort to present the Dominican Republic under a constructive, positive and engaging light. This was acknowledged during the Opening Night Event, in welcome remarks, by DFFNY director Armando Guareño. Mr. Guareño gave a special note of thanks to GFFD New York Office Director Yamile Eusebio for the Foundation’s invaluable contribution to make the Festival happen.

The opening night film, El Rey de Najayo, was presented to New York audience by its director, distinguished Dominican career film maker and GFDD collaborator, Fernando Baez. The first Dominican film that was produced under the new film law, El Rey de Najayo is the dramatic story of Julian, a drug lord who despite his confinement in prison, was still able to maintain Dominican society in a state of suspense, for over 13 years. To the delight of the audience who were so receptive to El Rey de Najayo, following the film screening, they could air their thoughts in a Q&A panel with the participation of film director Baez, and his lead actor, Manny Perez.

The 2013 Dominican Film Festival New York will showcase more than 20 renowned films from the Dominican Republic including Kaylien, the debut premier of the Dominican actress Zoe Saldaña, and The Cure, the short nominated for the 2012 Cannes Film Festival.

GFFD supported films will feature La Hija Natural, Pelotero and La Lucha de Ana, covering a range of universal themes, such as love, redemption, perseverance, humour and growth. Additionally, one of the Festival days will be dedicated to GFDD produced shorts, Pico Duarte, Lago Enriquillo, and the winner of the Dominican Republic Environmental Film Festival (DREFF) Globo Verde Dominicano 2012 Award, De Espaldas al Mar.

 

About GFDD supported films, schedules and times:
Sunday, June 30, at 1:00pm
La Hija Natural (Love Child )
Director: Leticia Tonos
The film focuses on Maria, who as a child was a simple and sensitive young girl with the strange habit of putting ladybugs in her mouth. After her mother dies in an accident, 18 year-old María decides to look for the father she has never met.

 

Friday, June 28, at 7:15pm
Pelotero: Ballplayer
Directors: Ross Finkel, Trevor Martin, Jon Paley
In the run-up to the most important day of their lives, two young Dominican baseball players confront competition and corruption to achieve their Big-League dreams.

 

 

Sunday, June 30, at 5:15pm
La Lucha de Ana (Anna’s Struggle)
Director: Bladimir Abud
La Lucha de Ana is the story of Ana, a flower seller who seeks justice for a murdered son.

 

 

Wednesday, June 25, at 7:00pm
El Rey de Najayo (The King of Najayo)
Director: Fernando Baez
El Rey de Najayo is the dramatic story of Julian, a Dominican drug lord who despite his confinement in prison, was still able to maintain Dominican society in a state of suspense, for over 13 years.

 

Series of Short Films produced by GFDD and FUNGLODE:
Saturday, June 29, at 1:00pm
Primera Expedición Educacional al Pico Duarte (First Educational Expedition to Pico Duarte)
De Espaldas al Mar (With Our Backs to the Ocean)
Crecida de los Lagos Enriquillo y Azuei, estudio de un caso y sus posibles implicaciones globales (The Growth of Lake Enriquillo: Environmental, Social and Scientific Implications)

The series of short films masterly depict the enchanting nature of the Dominican republic, particularly its coastal and marine ecosystems. The shorts raise the problem of environment protection and the contribution of the society to preserve it.

Locations:
Alumni Auditorium
Dominican Studies Institute
United Palace
DFFNYC: Full Schedule: http://dffnyc.com/schedule.html