Excitement is mounting for the 4th edition of the Dominican Republic Global Film Festival (DRGFF), which this year takes place November 16 through 22. The Festival, which has taken place annually in various cities around the Dominican Republic since 2006, is a week-long showcase of the best new feature films, shorts and documentaries from around the world. This year there will be 48 films, encompassing the Festival's underlying theme "Global Issues: Personal Stories".

In addition, a number of film and industry-related panels, workshops and presentations will be given by a host of international and local experts/celebrities.

In 2009, DRGFF introduced a number of new features to the Festival, such as the well-received first-ever Film Shorts Competition for Dominican filmmakers, and makes a highly anticipated return this year. For 2010 DRGFF is pleased to announce several new activities which should serve to enhance the public's Festival experience.

This year DRGFF takes place in the cities of Santo Domingo, Santiago, Puerto Plata, Nagua, Higuey, Cap-Cana, and for the first time also crosses the border into Haiti in Port au Prince. DRGFF will open a "Moonlight Series" of outdoor screenings in the nation's capital, to further develop film collaboration opportunities between the two nations, and in continued solidarity following the devastating earthquake in January, 2010. Furthermore, DRGFF will host a retrospective acknowledging Haiti's talent and creativity in the form of celebrated filmmaker, Raoul Peck, President of the world-renowned film school, La Femise, based in Paris, France.

DRGFF is also honored to present a special screening of Academy Award winning film, Avatar, followed by Hollywood Producer Jon Landau explaining the extraordinary 3D techniques used in the making of this monumental blockbuster.

Also new in 2010 will be a spotlight on specific countries films and shorts. This year DRGFF will be celebrating the work and creativity of Mexico around the 100th anniversary of its Revolution. With this purpose DRGFF has programmed the screening of the film “Revolution” (Revolución) which compiles the vision of 10 of the most representative Latin-American filmmakers on the subject. An exquisite selection of Mexican shorts will also be part of the DRGFF schedule this year. This will bring an opportunity for budding Dominican filmmakers to appreciate what their peers are doing at the other end of the Caribbean.

Furthermore, Dominican audiences will have a chance to know more about the production of two well-established film industries, Australia and France, with a selection of recent works that have received the accolade of national and international critics and public.

Rounding off the Festival DRGFF will be a newly created a National Achievement Award to celebrate the best of the Dominican film community and joins the Career Achievement Award in lauding those who have contributed to world cinema. This year the Festival will honor the life and work of Arturo Rodriguez, film critic, writer, producer and President for 12 consecutive years of the Muestra de Cine de Santo Domingo. His contribution to the appreciation of quality cinema has made ha difference in the country and the DRGFF wants to remember him In Memoriam, after his untimely passing in April this year.

For more information on the main features of the Festival, and to register, please go to http://www.drglobalfilmfestival.org/drgff2010/www/registro_en.asp.