DREFF Panels, Workshops, and a Special Master Class Provide Ideal Platforms to Learn about Environmental Issues

Santo Domingo, September 4, 2013

The III Dominican Republic Environmental Film Festival (DREFF) which is the initiative of Global Foundation for Democracy and Development (GFDD) and Fundación Global Democracia y Desarrollo (FUNGLODE) will be held in the Dominican Republic from September 4-8, 2013. To the delight of the participants, the Foundations have prepared a full spectrum of Festival program activities, including 55 environmental film screenings and a wide variety of side activities such as panels, workshops and a master class, with the aim of raising awareness and deepening an understanding of environmental issues among Dominicans.

By attending our panels, workshops and master class, festival goers will have an opportunity to meet and speak with the invited guests of honor - 50 national and international environmental producers, directors, researchers and explorers.

The twelve panels with the participation of award winning environmental film makers, scientists, non-government organizations, will follow the listed film screenings between September 4-8. Set in the form of an open forum, the panels will cover a broad range of thematic discussions, from traditional medicines and their contribution to mainstream healthcare, the environmental benefits of ecotourism and a discussion on the use and value of money to the importance of biodiversity protection, the urgent need for enhanced waste management and over-population as a threat to sustainable development.

The three workshops, to be held on September 6-7, will focus on arts as a way to bring people’s attention to pressing environmental issues. Thanks to the participation of award winning photographer, Jose Alejandro Alvarez, and environment film makers, Chris and Caleb Farro, the workshops are anticipated to be of huge success with the Festival audiences.

A special Master class, conducted by internationally reputed environmentalist, Yann Arthus-Bertrand, will be held on Sunday, September 8. Mr. Arthus-Bertrand has made it his life’s goal to demonstrate the Earth’s beauty and show the impact of mankind on the planet. His Masterclass will focus on the art and science of aerial photography, and will share his personal stories and insight on this particular art form. He will also pass on some valuable advice on how to pass on an effective message through art. The given master class will serve as an opportunity for attendees to ask the guest questions about his career development and opinions on particular environmental issues.

All DREFF activities: film screenings, workshops, panels, as well as the opening and closing night ceremonies are open to the general public, and free of charge. Seating is limited, so please arrive early.  We invite you to please come and join us as we celebrate the beauty and diversity of the Dominican Republic’s natural heritage, and participate in GFDD/FUNGLODE’s on-going initiative of environmental protection, appreciation, conservation and sustainable use.

For more information and/or a Festival program, please visit our website at: www.dreff.org, or contact us at info@dreff.org.

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About the III DR Environmental Film Festival
The DR environmental film festival, which is hosted in the Dominican Republic onSeptember 4-8, 2013, aims to raise awareness and deepen the understanding of environmental issues among Dominican audiences. The Festival seeks to promote dialogue and inspire Dominican audiences to adopt practices that will ensure the country’s environmental sustainability and health. As part of this objective, it pursues to provide youth and general audiences the opportunity to watch the best and most beautiful, informative and educational environmental international films of the year, to learn about the pressing issues, to appreciate and value the diversity and beauty of the Dominican Republic and, hopefully, inspire greater environmental stewardship.

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