Adding to its already exciting events, the 2nd edition of the Dominican Global Film Festival is honoring Elba McAllister in a special tribute celebration expected to become an annual event of the film festival, held this year from November 19-23 in five cities throughout the country. Elba McAllister is co-founder, partner and executive president of the Colombian film distribution company Cineplex, which is celebrating its 15th year of promoting alternative films in Latin America. The main tribute will take place the 20th, at 7:00 pm, at UASD's Pedro Mir Library.

“Not only do we wish to pay homage to Cineplex but also to Elba for her courage and the incredibly good taste she has always displayed in choosing the best films from around the world to bring to Latin American countries,” said Nicole Guillemet, program and production consultant of the film festival.

For these past 15 years, Cineplex has shown nearly 200 high quality films that have been viewed in film festivals around the world. Eight years ago, Cineplex increased its distribution network to the rest of Central America. Cineplex also represents many Colombian film producers and helps them market their films in Latin America.

McAllister, Executive President of Cineplex and her Vice President husband Juan David McAllister, have worked tirelessly to bring the work of such directors as Wong Kar Wai, Claude Chabrol, Agnieszka Holland and Ken Loach to the region.

“It has been a challenge to bring alternative film to Latin America in that most people have been exposed to films with million-dollar budgets, special effects and predictable endings,” said Elba McAllister.

Films

As part of the planned homage, the Dominican Global Film Festival will show several Cineplex films including 8 Women, Bella, Red Like the Sky and My Blueberry Nights. Cineplex, in addition, is the distributor of other films in the festival: Caramel and The Band´s Visit.

McAllister will also give a masters class on film distribution in which she will explain, among other things, how independent films captured 5.9% of the total Latin American market last year, as compared to 3.6% in 2003. In this class, McAllister will display her knowledge and share it with her future Dominican colleagues.

“It is an honor that you have chosen us for this tribute although the real homage should be paid not to Cineplex but to the great filmmakers who, with their films, have captivated us for the first time; our greatest compensation is the satisfaction to be able to share these independent stories with all of Latin America,” said Elba McAllister.

About Cineplex

Cineplex began its film distribution in Colombia in 1993 when it quickly positioned itself as one of the major distributors of high quality alternative film.

With a critical eye for film selection, combined with the implementation of market strategies, Cineplex has distributed more than one hundred films. Showing their films initially in movie theaters, Cineplex now sells VHS and DVDs to television stations.

Beginning in April 2002, Cineplex found a distribution opportunity in Mexico where it formed an alliance with local distributors who successfully sell its films.

At the same time, Cineplex represents various Colombian director/producers such as Victor Gaviria, Jaime Osorio, Dago Garcia, Ciro Guerra, Jorge Alí Triana, among others.

It is important to highlight that, as part of this representation, Cineplex has coordinated a traveling exhibition of the most recent Colombian films at theaters in Central America, Venezuela and Ecuador.

At the same time, Cineplex represents the National Center for Autonomous Films of Venezuela (CNAC) and will sell their catalogue to different television outlets in Latin America.

Related links: http://www.cineplex.com.co