Millions roll in Dominican cinema. The audiovisual industry reported more than five thousand people working directly in 101 works or productions shot in Dominican locations during the year 2021, and moved in the economy more than 15 billion pesos.
President Luis Abinader, in offering the data, yesterday, at the accountability held that these figures have a direct impact “on sectors such as hospitality, transportation, construction, food and beverages, as well as small suppliers of products and services.
“We host some of the largest studios and audiovisual content companies in the world such as Paramount Pictures, Netflix, Universal, Lions Gate and Disney,” he cited.
Economic projections for the film sector are promising. By 2022 the government forecasts spending on foreign productions of at least US$195 million.
The presidential good omens were well received by Dominican filmmakers who are happy about the contribution they make to the local economy.
“We are happy to see that the President recognizes the contributions made by our industry and the perspective of growth that it has. We hope to continue to count, as we have up to now, with the support of the Government in the application of our Film Law, which has been the indisputable engine of the development of our industry,” commented Iván Reynoso, president of the Dominican Association of Film Professionals (Adocine).
He added: “These statements by President Abinader send an unequivocal message to all film professionals, as well as to all the young people who are currently studying filmmaking at our universities, that we will continue on a path of growth and that they will have work where they can continue to develop”.
Of the 101 shootings, practically half were local productions and the other half foreign.
“2021 has been a year of great achievements for the Dominican film industry. Thanks to the three pillars that make it up, human capital, incentives and infrastructure and locations,” the General Directorate of Cinema had highlighted at the end of the year in a report.
The Film Registration and Information System (Sirecine) also grew in 2021, thanks to the registration of 74 new service providers, as well as 1,918 professionals.
In 2021, Dominicans were able to enjoy 20 national film premieres in the country’s movie theaters, representing an increase of 55% compared to 2020.
Last year saw a notable increase in filming in Samaná, where a total of 57 projects were shot.
To meet this positive demand, the DGCINE opened a new representative office in the province of Samaná, thus achieving a closer relationship with the community.
Among the foreign shootings that stood out in the country during 2021 were “La ciudad perdida” (“Lost city of D”), starring famous actors Sandra Bullock, Channing Tatum, Daniel Radcliffe and Brad Pitt.
In April, Jennifer Lopez finished shooting the movie “Shotgun Wedding” in the Dominican Republic.
Also accompanying the artist were American actors Jennifer Coolidge and Josh Duhamel, who are part of the film’s cast.
Some of the locations used in the country were Cabrera, Rio San Juan, Juan Dolio and Punta Cana.
Directed by Jason Moore, “Shotgun Wedding” tells the story of Darcy and Tom, a couple facing their impending wedding with many doubts and with their respective families helping very little to relax the situation.
Of the Netflix productions, “Suriname” stands out, where Suriname will be recreated in the Dominican Republic.
