Santo Domingo, November 16, 2011

V Dominican Global Film Festival Sparkles with Stars from around the Globe on Opening Night

The opening film that launched the 5th Edition of the Dominican Global Film Festival in Santo Domingo on Wednesday November 16th was Dominican movie, "Jaque Mate" (Checkmate).

The V Dominican Republic Global Film Festival (DRGFF) brought together a constellation of stars on from the world of international cinema for its opening night.

Such renowned actors as Geraldine Chaplin and Danny Glover topped the list of guests of honor at this festival of moving images which was not lacking in the glamour that accompanies such events.

The inaugural ceremony, held in the Eduardo Brito National Theater, on Wednesday, opened with a screening of "Jaque Mate," written and directed by the up-and-coming Dominican filmmaker, Jose Maria Cabral. In keeping with the goals of the DRGFF to enrich the film culture of the Dominican Republic, the opening Festival was inaugurated, for the first time, with a Dominican-made movie.

With its slogan, “Global Issues, Personal Stories,” and dedicated to the legendary Dominican actress, María Montez, the gala was attended by Dominican President Leonel Fernández and First Lady Margarita Cedeño de Fernández. President Fernández is also the honorary president of the Fundación Global Democracia y Desarrollo (FUNGLODE).

Distinguished guests who walked the blue carpet, this year’s designated color, included Danny Glover and Geraldine Chaplin as well as Latin American artists such as Venezuelan actor, Fernando Carrillo, Cuban, Adrián Mas, Haitian actor, Jimmy Jean Louis and Dominican stars Celinés Toribio, Juan Fernández, Martha González, Frank Perozo and Sharlene Taulé, among other figures involved in the seventh art.

Solemn Introduction
The formal inauguration was held in Carlos Piantinti Hall with Masters of Ceremony, María Elena Núñez, Freddy Ginebra and Laura Castellanos, who served as a link between the film figures and the public in this new adventure wherein over 60 films from all over the world are being shown.

Omar de la Cruz, Director of the DRGFF, gave the words of welcome and appreciation to the invited guests, sponsors, organizing team and volunteers. He also explained why this year’s Festival is dedicated to the actress María Montez. A video of the “Queen of Technicolor” was shown to the public.

Tributes
The Tributes section of the inauguration began with the Lifetime Achievement Award” given to Geraldine Chaplin. Following Chaplin’s words of appreciation, actor Danny Glover received the Humanitarian Award. He thanked the Dominican people for their kindness and spirit.

Both Chaplin and Glover received their tributes from Marco Herrera, Executive Director of FUNGLODE; Omar de la Cruz, Director del DRGFF, and from Yvette Marichal, Director of Public Relations and Marketing. The two film stars warmly and graciously received their tributes.

Other awards:
Producer, entertainment director, entrepreneur, community activist and Californian, Moctesuma Esparza received the “Arturo Rodríguez Hispanic Pride in the Seventh Art Award.” Musician and composer Rafael Solano received the “Musical Contributions in the Audiovisual Arts Award.” Film Director, Agliberto Meléndez, was honored with the “Camilo Carrau National Film Pride Award.”

Following an introduction to his film, the young Dominican director, José María Cabral, and an introduction of the movie’s cast, "Jaque Mate" filled the screen and the 5th Dominican Global Film Festival in Santo Domingo was officially underway. The Festival began last night, Tuesday, in several other cities: Santiago, Puerto Plata, Nagua, Higüey and Port au Prince, Haití.

The DRGFF also provides more information on its development on its social networks and its official website:

Official webpage: 5th Dominican Global Film Festival
http://www.festivaldecineglobal.org

Facebook:
DR Global Film Festival https://www.facebook.com/FestivalCineGlobalDominicano

Twitter: @DRGFF

Sponsors:
The 5th Dominican Global Film Festival is possible in part by contributions from its sponsors: Cap Cana, Claro, Colorín, Indomina, Procomunicaciones, Odebrecht, Ruíz Centro, Seguros Constitución, Telemicro Internacional, DGCine, Digital 15, Grupo Viamar, Hotel Occidental El Embajador, Palacio del Cine, Abasto & Servicios, Amhsa Marina, Burger King, CTN, Krispy Kreme, La 91fm, Listin Diario, Panamericana, Papa John’s, Radio Cadena Comercial, Serigraf, Telemicro, Tiendas Corripio. The Festival also has support from the UASD, the National Theater, Mauricio Báez Club, the Ministry of Culture, Miravista, Air Ocean, Fundación Memoria de Nación, LVT Subtitlings, RNN, MEE, MEESCyT, Sousa Sistemas, Jupiter, RAM Engineering, Tech Films Solutions, Mia TV Higüey, Canal 25 Santiago, TDN Canal 10 Nagua, Canal 10 Puerto Plata, Premium 98.1 FM, Revista Global, Embassy of Spain-AECID, Embassy of India, Embassy of Mexico, Embassy of the United States- Franklin Center and the Action Haitienne pour les Nations Unies (AHNU).