DREFF Will Attend BLUE Ocean Film Festival & Conservation in Monterey, CA

New York, August 17, 2012

Representatives of the Dominican Republic Environmental Film Festival (DREFF), an initiative of Global Foundation for Democracy and Development (GFDD) and Fundación Global Democracia y Desarrollo (FUNGLODE), will attend the BLUE Ocean Film Festival & Conservation Event with the purpose of providing support to our partner institution, liaising with potential new partners, keeping current on new trends and promoting GFDD and FUNGLODE projects, programs and publications.

The DREFF team will be led by Natasha Despotovic, DREFF Director, and will include representation by Semiramis de Miranda, Director of Digital Media & Print Material; Emy Rodríguez, Director of Programming; Margaret Hayward, Panel Coordinator; and Alexandra Tabar, Workshop Manager & Multimedia Coordinator.

The BLUE Ocean Film Festival & Conservation Event is a seven day forum that showcases the best in ocean films. The event brings together filmmakers, scientists, advocates and entertainment executives alike to foster connections that might inspire the production of new, world-class films that promote the conservation of the Earth’s oceans.

The Festival, which will take place in Monterey, CA from September 24-30, will screen over 100 films and put on display remarkable ocean photography. As part of its mission, BLUE also exposes filmmakers to the latest underwater imaging technology, as well as financing and distribution resources.

DREFF will participate in BLUE in a number of ways including providing the support of a DREFF staff member, who will serve as a volunteer to the BLUE Ocean Film Festival & Conservation Event. DREFF will also be showcasing Dominican short film winner from the first annual Globo Verde Dominicano Awards. In addition to promoting DREFF, GFDD will also be promoting emerging Dominican ecological filmmakers by showcasing the Dominican short film winner from the first annual Globo Verde Dominicano Award and by awarding the winner participation in the conference program, workshops and film screenings.

What is more, the GFDD will also inaugurate its acclaimed exhibit: “Dominican Encyclopedic Dictionary of the Environment.” The exhibit “Dominican Encyclopedic Dictionary of the Environment” displays graphics and scientific information from the Dominican Encyclopedic Dictionary of the Environment, a reference book published by GFDD and FUNGLODE. The encyclopedic dictionary offers basic knowledge to young readers on environment and conservation methods, planting the seeds of life-long learning and environmental responsibility.

The encyclopedic dictionary masterfully unites information on the environment and natural resources of the Dominican Republic. The volume incorporates information from a wide range of disciplines, including chemistry, physics, geology, biology, atmospheric engineering, earth and soil sciences, geography, demography, economics and law.

The Dominican Encyclopedic Dictionary of the Environment is divided into three main sections - scientific articles; definitions of terms and concepts; and a resource guide containing a map of national protected areas, a directory of environmental organizations and government agencies and a list of endemic flora and fauna. Featuring an incredible 712 defined environmental terms, 58 table sets, 123 graphics, 19 scientific articles and over 900 photographs, the volume is sure to serve as an important reference for generations of students, environmentalists and concerned citizens.

Over 20 images will be on display.

DREFF will also have a booth where it will be distributing GFDD promotional materials and signing copies of GFDD publications, New Perspectives: Dominican Republicand the Dominican Encyclopedic Dictionary of the Environment, which will be available for purchase.

Now in its third year, the BLUE Ocean Film Festival & Conservation Event is a must for those interested in networking with industry professionals and getting to know the most recent innovations in the area of ocean films.

The DREFF team looks forward to meeting with old friends and to developing new contacts that might evolve into new and important partnerships.

About DREFF
DREFF, launched by Global Foundation for Democracy and Development (GFDD) and Fundación Global Democracia y Desarrollo (FUNGLODE) in September of last year, raises awareness and deepens understanding of environmental issues among Dominican audiences, while celebrating the beauty and diversity of the country’s natural heritage.

Through screening a diverse selection of high-quality films on matters of environmental concern, and organizing panel discussions with environmental experts, filmmakers and other stakeholders, the Festival seeks to foster dialogue and to inspire Dominican audiences to adopt practices that will ensure the health and environmental sustainability of the country.

By bringing together youth, scholars, experts, activists, filmmakers, representatives of public, private and nongovernmental institutions and the general public, the Festival promotes programs and projects that contribute to environmental protection, conservation and sustainability.

About Globo Verde
Through this initiative launched this year, DREFF recognizes talented Dominican filmmakers working to create productions on environmental themes. Globo Verde will select first, second and third place recipients in the areas of Short Film and Public Service Announcement.

About Dominican Encyclopedic Dictionary of the Environment
The book is an A-Z guide on the environment and natural resources of the Dominican Republic. It contains 712 terms defined with the most up-to-date and comprehensive information, and is illustrated with 700 photos, 58 tables, 123 figures, which are complemented by 17 scientific articles on environmental challenges and conservation methods. The Dictionary seeks to increase understanding of the dangers of environmental degradation, while promoting respect, care and concern for the country’s natural resources, their protection and sustainable use.

About New Perspectives: Dominican Republic
Comprised of 400 aerial images, the book is divided into 9 chapters – Reflections of Light, Coasts, Heights, Plains, History, City, People, Tourism and Work – containing text about various aspects of the country’s history, culture, environment and contemporary life. It has become a point of reference for the national population, visitors, students, art and photography aficionados, the numerous Dominicans that reside outside of the country, and all those interested in acquiring a better understanding of the Dominican Republic.

Related links:
www.blueoceanfilmfestival.org
www.drenvironmentalfilmfestival.org
www.environmentaldictionary.org
www.globoverdedominicano.org
www.newperspectivesdominicanrepublic.com