Elba McAllister

Adding to the already exciting novelties underway during this film extravaganza, the II edition of the Dominican Global Film Festival is honoring Elba McAllister in a special tribute celebration which is expected to become an annual event of the film festival. 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. This year´s tribute to Ms. McAllister will take place today at 7:00 p.m. in the Pedro Mir Auditorium of the UASD.

“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.

Throughout 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.

Elba McAllister, Natasha Despotovic

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,” explained Elba McAllister.

Films

Eran Kolirin (Director "The Band's Visit), Elba McAllister

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.

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