DRGFF Participates in 2009 Tribeca Film Festival
New York, April 22 - May 3, 2009

Representatives of the Dominican Republic Global Film Festival (DRGFF), an initiative of Global Foundation for Democracy and Development (GFDD) and Fundación Global Democracia y Desarrollo (FUNGLODE), attended the eighth edition of the Tribeca Film Festival (TFF) in New York City, in order to identify quality films for the 2009 edition of DRGFF that will take place this November.

During the Tribeca Film Festival, famed for showcasing world-class films and exciting new talent, the DRGFF team had the opportunity to view a large cross section of the 85 features and 46 shorts from 32 countries.

Historically, TFF has sought to enable the international film community and the general public to experience the power of film by redefining the film festival experience. The Festival has become a cultural phenomenon in New York City. Its program line-up offers moviegoers a wide variety of independent features including documentaries, narratives and shorts, as well as a program of family-friendly films. The Festival also features panel discussions with personalities from the entertainment and film industries.

Notably leaner due to  the prevailing world economic conditions affecting the industry, this year’s Festival showed just 86 features compared to the 120 screened in 2008. The economic situation has also seen sponsorship dwindle and the number of venues reduced. As a result of the global economic crisis, the types of movies being realized tend to be lower-budget and more experimental.

Through participating in TFF, the DRGFF team was able to network with prominent industry professionals, analyze industry trends, visit with old friends, develop new allegiances and identify possible funding opportunities.  The team was also able to jump-start preparations for the third edition of the Festival, which will take place November 18-22, 2009 in seven cities 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. The Festival supports capacity building, provides network opportunities for Dominican professionals and fosters the development of a strong and sustainable national film industry.

Links:
http://www.tribecafilm.com/festival/