Presentation of DRGFF to Industry Professionals in Hollywood
New York, June 27, 2008
The Dominican Republic Global Film Festival (DRGFF) was presented to a select Hollywood community as part of a four-day visit to California by the DRGFF General Director, Natasha Despotovic, and the Festival Marketing and Promotion Manager, Asuncion Sanz, which included meetings with filmmakers like Sandra Condito, Ivette Rodriguez, Elizabeth Avellan, Bret Ratner, the Director of UCLA Film and TV Archive Department, Dr. Jan-Christopher Horak, the Director of the UCLA School of Film, TV and Theater, Barbara Boyle, and the Director of the Creative Writing Program of the University of California at Riverside, Dr. Tom Lutz and Cathryn Galan and Octavio Marín of the National Association of Latino Independent Producers (NALIP), among others.
The purpose of the visit was to promote and give visibility to the Festival, create partnerships and realize fundraising initiatives. The presentation of DRGFF took place thanks to the invaluable support of the General Consul of the Dominican Republic in California and the Western Region of the United States, Celeste Jimenez de Amarante, and her efficient team. Natasha Despotovic was introduced by Consul General, Celeste Jimenez, and Dominican entertainer, Kiki Melendez.
Ms. Despotovic presented the Festival in Los Angeles during an event held in a local hotel before a group of studio representatives, independent film and television producers, filmmakers, writers, casting agents and Dominican actors. Representatives from Fox Entertainment Group, Universal Studios, International Creative Management (ICM), the prestigious New York Film Academy, affiliated with Universal Studios, and casting agents such as JHC had the opportunity to become acquainted with the Festival, its nature, objectives and plans for the 2008 edition. The Festival’s objective to bring quality films to the Dominican Republic and make them accessible to large segments of the population, along with its inclusive nature and desire to entertain and educate audiences on the culture of cinema and world affairs was extensively outlined by DRGFF’s General Director.
The event also provided an excellent opportunity to update industry professionals on the progress the Dominican Republic with regard to becoming a preferred destination for film and television production, and to report on the advancements made by the Global Media Arts Institute in fulfilling its commitment to become a center of excellence in the area of multimedia arts training for young filmmakers looking to pursue their career aspirations, as well as for more experienced professionals interested in expanding their expertise.
During the event participants stressed the importance of providing advantageous incentives and identifying qualified crews, while Natasha Despotovic provided details concerning the upcoming Dominican Republic Film Law, which will inevitably aid in promoting the production of high-quality films in the Dominican Republic.
DRGFF plays a leading role in nurturing film culture in the Dominican Republic by bringing the best of international narrative and documentary film to a wide audience. The Festival raises awareness and deepens understanding of global challenges while using film as a modern platform for the discussion of political, social and economic issues. DRGFF, together with GFDD and FUNGLODE’s Global Media Arts Institute (GMAI), supports capacity building, provides network opportunities for Dominican professionals, and fosters the development of a strong and sustainable national film industry.
Related links:
www.palmdesert.ucr.edu
www.thecompany.tv
www.carmensteffens.com
www.shopit.com
www.nyfa.com
www.nbcuni.com
www.cinema.ucla.edu
www.tft.ucla.edu
www.troublemakerstudios.com
www.icmtalent.com
www.latv.com
www.fox.com
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