Dominican Film Showcase Program

Monday November 19th, 2012

New York, 11/19/2012

The Global Foundation for Democracy and Development (GFDD), in partnership with the Cinema Studies Program in the Department of Media & Communication Arts at The City College of New York (CUNY), is pleased to announce the opening of the Dominican Film Showcase Program in New York with a screening of the documentary film “Pelotero”, on December 6, 2012.

“Pelotero”, produced by Boston Red Sox manager Bobby Valentine, is a gritty exposé of Major League Baseball (MLB) training camps in the Dominican Republic. It follows the story of two top prospects, Miguel Angel and Jean Carlos, in the months before they turn 16 and become eligible to be signed to an MLB farm team. In the process, this compelling documentary sheds light on some of the most pressing issues regarding the export of Dominican baseball players to the US: age and identity fraud, the exploitation of young players, and the hopes, fears and burdens of entire families riding on the success or failure of these players.

Following the screening, a panel discussion with both directors of the film and prominent baseball professionals, will address why Dominicans consistently are among the most sought-after players and why the Dominican Republic continues to be one of the most represented nations in the field of baseball in the USA and globally.

“Pelotero” is the first film in the GFDD/CCNY Dominican Film Showcase Program, a series of film screenings celebrating the stories, characters and history of the Dominican Republic. By partnering with CCNY, GFDD is excited to be able to present Dominican cinema to a wider audience, and within a environment that allows discussion, enhances social awareness and promotes constructive change.

Title (Original): Ballplayer Pelotero (2011)
Title (English): Ballplayer Pelotero
Directors: Guagua Productions : Ross Finkel, Trevor Martin, Jon Paley
Country of Origin: Dominican Republic
Genre: Documentary
Duration: 82 minutes
Starring: Jean Carlos Batista, John Leguizamo, Miguel Angel Sano

Location:
The City College campus, Shepard Hall, Rm. 291 @
259 Convent Ave. (southeast corner of 140th & Convent)
New York, NY 10016
Date: Thursday, December 6
6:30pm to 9pm