Île-de-France, a region that is successfully achieving ecological and social transition to sustainable development, has just celebrated the thirty-second edition of the festival’s most important environmental films from France and one of the largest in Europe, Festival International du Film d’Environnement (FIFE by its French acronym). Team members of the Dominican Republic Environmental Film Festival (DREFF) traveled to France to participate in the prestigious event, which is also a meeting point of the festivals that are part of the Green Film Network (GFN), a worldwide association to which the DREFF belongs since January 1st of this year.
During one week, from 3 to 10 February, the Director of the DREFF, Natasha Despotovic, and Director of Digital Media and Print Material, Semiramis de Miranda, participated in the event and in the meetings that GFN traditionally held during the festival. “FIFE is an excellent opportunity, not only to see some of the best productions of the year, but to generate contacts, exchange ideas and build networks with some of the most important environmental festivals in the world,” said Despotovic.
The DREFF networked with the Cinemambiente Festival of Torino, Solidarity Water Europe, Sublimages, Ecozine Film Festival Zaragoza, and Innsbruck Nature Film Festival, among other organizations.
FIFE presents documentaries, feature films, short films and web documentaries that address issues such as sustainable development, immigration, energy and social problems. Over 100 films representing 41 countries have been presented in this edition.
“Every year, for a week, FIFE becomes a place where the audience and professionals can exchange ideas and discuss with managers, experts and other persons participating in the festival,” explained the organizers.
Over the past three years, the event has organized meetings so professionals can share experiences and reflect on the various methods of production and distribution worldwide, in addition to allowing certain films find a distributor in France.
About DREFF
Since its inception in 2011, the Dominican Republic Environmental Film Festival (DREFF), an initiative of Global Foundation for Democracy and Development (GFDD), provides the Dominican public a platform for knowledge and debate on the environment and sustainable development, their issues and best practices, while celebrating the beauty and unique wealth of the Dominican nature.
Through the screening of a diverse selection of the best films that deal with issues of major national and international relevance, and the organization of discussion panels, courses, seminars and field visits, the DREFF not only promotes dialogue but also inspires the Dominican public to take action to ensure the health and sustainability of the environment.
Partnering with some of the most important institutions in the field – including the Green Film Network (GFN) –, every September, during each of its editions, the DREFF organizes over 80 free screenings in 14 cities and nearly 30 venues throughout the Dominican Republic.
Honoring the commitment of Global Foundation for Democracy and Development (GFDD) to contribute concretely to the sustainable development of the Dominican Republic and of the world, creating practical platforms for the implementation of Sustainable Development Goals, the DREFF has developed five programs operating throughout the year, working closely with the community: ReCrearte, EcoHuertos, RDescubre, GloboVerde Dominicano Award and Year Round Environmental Film Screening.
Related links:
Festival International Du Film D’Environnement
To see the awards click here
