Before an auditorium filled to capacity the Global Foundation for Democracy and Development (GFDD) and its sister organization in the Dominican Republic, Fundación Global Democracia y Desarrollo (FUNGLODE), held the closing ceremony in the theater FUNGLODE.
The ceremony began with a review video of everything that happened during the past five days. In his welcoming Mrs. Natasha Despotovic, GFDD Executive Director, thanked all filmmakers, organizers, partners, sponsors, students and the general public who took part in special activities and film screenings during this year’s DREFF. “I think this event has been very productive. It has been an experience of work and contribution for the country and the world, ” said Despotovic.
A surprise during the ceremony was the presentation of short films Aqua and Casi Cero, productions by students of Colegio Loyola, which were also screened at the Loyola Film Festival, organized by art teacher Wendy Kellys. Ms. Natasha Despotovic also took the opportunity to invite Emy Rodriguez, Environmental Specialist of GFDD and DREFF filmmakers’ coordinator, to the podium. After seven years of collaboration with the Foundation, Rodriguez will be retiring to pursue doctoral studies to become a marine biologist. Subsequently, the Executive Director gave way to the premiere presentation of the film … Prelude Lake Enriquillo climate change, Dominican director Fernando Báez, outstanding professional filmmaking in the Dominican Republic and President of Unicorn Films.
The film is about the history and evolution of the largest lake in the Antilles. A thorough investigation of the rising of the water level, commented by professionals who have studied the lake for years. How the flood has affected its inhabitants. As has captured the attention of the scientific community in the world for being considered a window to the world that shows the consequences of climate change.
National and international experts on environmental issues participated in the activity, such as as Omar Ramirez, Executive Vice President of the National Council for Climate Change and Clean Development Mechanism; Idelisa Bonelly de Calventi, a renowned legend in development of marine science in the Dominican Republic; and Sixto Incháustegui, Dominican biologist and consultant on international environmental issues; among others. At the end of the film presentation, a question and answer session was held with the participation of Don Sixto Incháustegui and Fernando Báez.
During the DREFF, GFDD also promotes and celebrates the beauty and diversity of the natural heritage of the Dominican Republic, offering an insight into the attitudes and actions that ultimately contribute to its appreciation, conservation and sustainable use. In this IV edition of the DREFF more than 30 short films were screened and over 20 national and international guests attended special activities, as well as offering workshops and lectures on topics related to the environment.
For more details you can visit the DREFF www.dreff.org. Join the conversation on sustainable development promoted by followingGFDDorg GFDD andMuestraCine on Twitter, using the hashtags #RDsostenible and #DREFF.
