A panel on the Dominican Film Law, organized in the framework of the DRGFF, was the scene where the public, authorities and experts put forward their proposals and opinions on the newly enacted Film Law, adopted on November 18, 2010.

Professionals and film buffs highlighted the enactment of the Film Law on November 18th, by participating in a panel to discuss it and organized as part of the IV Dominican Republic Global Film Festival (DRGFF)

The panel was attended by José Rafael Lantigua, Minister of Culture; Albert Martinez, producer of the film La Fiesta del Chivo and Vice President of the Indomina Group; Ivan Trujillo, director of the Guadalajara International Film Festival; and Diego Musiak, Argentine director and producer. The panel was moderated by Jaime Piña, a Dominican journalist and filmmaker living in the United States.

The Dominican Republic Film Law is part of the so-called Code of Cultural Laws, which includes those already enacted: the National Archives Law, the Book and Libraries Law, as well as the Heritage, Handicrafts and Performing Arts Law, which is expected to be enacted in 2011.

Culture Minister Lantigua expressed his satisfaction at the enactment of the Film Law, and said that this is one of the most comprehensive rules on the subject that exist in the region. The Film Law not only protects and promotes local production, but also offers substantial incentives to foreign producers and directors.

In that respect, Albert Martinez stated that when selecting the venue where to record a film production, directors and independent producers take into consideration not only the locations and the technical teams that a given country has, but also the rights and incentives that such country offers to foreign productions.

Diego Musiak said that the importance of the Film Law is that it stimulates production, which in turn makes filmmaking possible, not just as an industry but also as part of the countries’ culture. Meanwhile, Ivan Trujillo noted that the enactment of this legislation coincides with major technological changes currently taking place in the industry.

José Piña said that it is a complex legislation that protects the national filmmaking industry in an extraordinary way, and does not leave out any aspect related to industry promotion and investment.

He added that the importance of the Film Law’s own existence is that it enables international directors to know exactly what to expect when selecting the Dominican Republic as a set for their films.

Also he said that the text of this legislation is strong enough and complete enough to position the Dominican Republic as a powerful competitor in the global market.

Delving on the scope of the Film Law and its implications, the Minister of Culture explained its different aspects. On the one hand, he said, the promotion of the local industry, with the creation and consolidation of the National Film Office, a body that will be the main partner of local production, and secondly, the importance given to foreign investment and the incentives to directors and producers. He informed that the text of the Film Law will be available within the next few weeks.

The panelists invited those involved in the industry to educate themselves on the subject, since that is the only option to improving the local film product.

After the presentations, attendees had the opportunity to voice their concerns. The Dominican Republic Film Law was enacted on Thursday, November 18, after five years of legislative process.

By: Ignaura Tejeda

See more photos on our Photo Gallery under National Palace - President Fernandez signs Dominican Film Law, Nov. 18 >

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