Dominican Film Festival In New York 2017: Complete List Of Films, Schedule, Locations

Carrying on the yearly tradition of celebrating an individual who continues to contribute to the enrichment of Dominican culture through film and television, the Dominican Film Festival in New York (DFFNYC) will host screenings at several special locations in New York City.

The 6th annual Dominican Film Festival in New York runs July 25-30, 2017 under the slogan: "We Are More than Merengue and Bachata… We Are Cinema!" The program includes a variety of cinematic genres and formats- and all films are from the Dominican Republic and/or co-produced with countries such as Spain, France and the U.S. The festival offers a platform for members of the Dominican film industry wherein both new and established filmmakers can promote their works to the public, establishing DFFNYC as a premier cultural event for Uptown and Washington Heights’ residents.

In six venues across Manhattan, the festival will have more than 60 actors and filmmakers in town to participate in the Q&As and panel discussions. Offering a program boasting a wide range of genres, from comedy to thriller and drama to romance films, DFFNY kicks off at 7:30pm, with a red carpet event and opening night ceremony that includes the special presentation of award winning film Carpinteros (Woodpeckers) by Jose Maria Cabral at the United Palace Theater (4140 Broadway, bet. 175th – 176th Streets.)

Locations:

• United Palace Theatre (4140 Broadway, bet. 175th – 176th Streets)
• AMC Empire 25 (234 W 42ndStreet)
• Roy and Diana Vagelos Education Center at Columbia University Medical Center (104 Haven Ave, at W 171st Street)
• Armory Foundation’s Hall of Fame Theater (216 Fort Washington Avenue, near 168th Street)
• Myrna L. Daniels Auditorium at NY-Presbyterian Hospital (173 Fort Washington Ave.)
• Comisionado Dominicano de Cultura in the U.S. (541 West 145th Street, 2nd Floor).

On Thursday, July 13, the festival honored actress Dascha Polanco for her contribution to television and film. Independent and driven, the actress and a mother of two, is widely recognized for her roles on the hit Netflix original series, Orange is the New Black (OITNB), JOY by David O. Russell, The Perfect Match by executive producer Queen Latifah, The Cobbler with Adam Sandler, and many more.

“As a leading young Latina actress, Polanco is at the forefront of entertainment and continues to pave the way for future Hispanic women finding their spotlight in Hollywood and beyond,” said Armando Guareño, Executive Director and Founder of DFFNYC.

Other honoree this year is the beloved actor Manny Perez, who has become one of the most recognized Latino actors in Hollywood. Mr. Perez has embarked on the most pivotal steps in his career. In the past few years he has been cast from leads to co-starring roles in over a dozen films, in major and independent releases.

One of the most important goals of DFFNY is to offer remarkable and engaging discussions and panels with filmmakers and talents, as well as a rare opportunity for one-on-one conversations with directors, actors, and producers. The panel “Protect Your Film Every Step of the Way,” featuring business, entertainment and intellectual property attorney Danny Jiminian, Esq., will provide an overview and checklist of what writers, producers and directors should do to protect their films. Yvette Marichal, Executive Director of the Film Commission (DGCINE), will lead a talk on the Dominican incentive law entitled “The Dominican Film Law: Six Years Later.” A talk on “Dominican Film Distribution in Latin America and the Caribbean” will be led by Zumaya Cordero, Director General of Caribbean Cinemas in the Dominican Republic and Caribbean Films Distribution and Programmer of the International Fine Arts Film Festival.

The festival closes on Sunday July 30th, 7:00pm, with Flor de Azucar (Sugar Fields), the Dominican Republic’s foreign-language Oscar 2017 submission drama, directed by DFFNY honoree, Fernando Báez and starring mega stars Hector Anibal, Ariana Lebron, Julietta Rodriguez, and James Saintil. The film tells the story of Samuel, a young, honest and moral Dominican farmer, who faces the injustice of Trujillo’s oppressive regime. After unintentionally killing an abusive guard, he is forced to flee leaving his wife and children behind. He spends a year hiding in a remote fishing island until he decides to return to his family and confront his fate.

DFFNYC is organized by Cine Art Entertainment Productions, in collaboration with The Global Film Festival of the Dominican Republic. Tickets can be purchase HERE.