FAQ’s
What is the Dominican Republic Environmental Film Festival and who organizes it?
The Dominican Republic Environmental Film Festival (DREFF) is an initiative of Global Foundation for Democracy and Development (GFDD), in the United States, and its sister organization, Fundación Global Democracia y Desarrollo (Funglode), in the Dominican Republic. The environment has been one of the themes at the forefront of the work of GFDD/Funglode since their inception. Their national and international network-building efforts, the discussion of pressing issues and the development of training programs with national experts and prominent international figures culminate in the creation of the Dominican Republic Environmental Film Festival in 2011.
The purpose of DREFF is to motivate the Dominican public to take action to ensure the health and sustainability of the environment; it is intended to raise awareness and to deepen the existing understanding of environmental issues in the country and, at the same time, celebrate the beauty and diversity of the Dominican Republic’s natural heritage.
What can we expect at the Dominican Republic Environmental Film Festival?
- An interesting program of high quality films that addresses the most pressing environmental issues in an educational and entertaining manner. The agenda includes national and international feature films, short films, documentaries and animated films.
- Discussion panels, workshops and community activities, such as the cleanup of communities or beaches, and excursions to ecotourism-related points of interest, among others.
- Attendance by renowned filmmakers and national and international experts, academics, activists, filmmakers and leaders from the public and private sectors, with whom the audience will be able to interact in order to share good environmental practices and to create innovative solutions that contribute to the country’s sustainable development.
- More than 100 screenings in more than 10 cities around the Dominican Republic, including Santo Domingo, Santiago, San Francisco de Macorís, San Juan de la Maguana and Baní, among others.
What is DREFF target audience?
The Film Festival is intended for the general public, from children to adults, of all ages. The programming includes films and activities for all ages.
When does the Dominican Republic Environmental Film Festival take place?
In 2016 we will celebrate the sixth edition of the Festival on September 13 – 18.
How much does it cost to watch the films and to participate in the DREFF activities?
All activities of the Dominican Republic Environmental Film Festival are free of charge. More information and the latest news on the DREFF may be found on its website and through the social networks:
www.dreff.org
Twitter: @MuestraCine
Facebook: MuestraCineMedioambiental
#DREFF #RDsostenible
How can I join DREFF support team?
Every year, DREFF has a large team of volunteers who support all the activities included in its program. GFDD/Funglode issue two calls during the summer to enroll those interested in supporting DREFF. For more information, please write to voluntarios@dreff.org or call (809) 685-9966 ext. 2454.
How can I support the sustainability of the Dominican Republic Environmental Film Festival
By donating! DREFF receives donations to make the Festival possible every year, and also to expand its scope to reach more people in more cities across the country. Donations may be made online through the GFDD website (www.globalfoundationdd.org ). To obtain more information or for follow up purposes, you may also contact Yamile Eusebio (yamile@dreff.org or call 809-685-9966, ext. 5024).
Why use cinema to foster messages of environmental awareness?
GFDD and Funglode understand that cinema is an efficient and effective method of activism. When we bring the people a message of environmental awareness through feature films, documentaries and short films, as well as animation for a younger audience, we take advantage of the strength of the audiovisual information and increase significantly its impact on the people who receive the message. The Dominican Republic Environmental Film Festival (DREFF) combines the power of film productions with discussion panels, workshops and community activities, with the intention that all Dominicans who participate receive and use up-to-date knowledge that is of utmost importance for the sustainability of the country and the planet in which we live.
What happens with the Festival during the rest of the year?
Since the inception of the Dominican Republic Environmental Film Festival (DREFF) in 2011, Global Foundation for Democracy and Development (GFDD) has created and developed 7 programs that operate year round and which make a significant contribution to the sustainable development of the Dominican Republic. They are: ReCrearte, EcoHuertos, RDescubre, the Globo Verde Dominicano Award, the Year Round Environmental Film Screenings, GFDD Shorts Production and DREFF Blog.
ReCrearte works with the most disadvantaged communities who receive training in the art of recycling and creating new objects from waste and, at the same time, learn to develop an alternative source of income. The program revolves around the “three golden rules” – or 3Rs – for the proper management of solid waste: reduce, reuse and recycle. The workshops demonstrate and emphasize the idea that recycling waste and transforming it into art strengthens both the individuals and the communities alike.
www.r3crearte.org
EcoHuertos seeks to support the creation of sustainable and organic gardens in schools and communities throughout the Dominican Republic, while fostering, through hands-on activities conducted in the field, the Natural Sciences subjects contained in the school curriculum. The program also raises awareness about the importance of a balanced diet, contributes to food security and independence, as well as creation of small local businesses.
www.eco-huertos.org
This project offers students from marginalized communities in the Dominican Republic the opportunity to develop an emotional bond with the environment and appreciate the natural heritage they share, while helping them to develop their leadership skills, focusing on their personal growth and improving their interpersonal skills. Participants attend lectures on environmental and sustainable development issues as well as participate in educational activities that strengthen their teamwork and community organizing capabilities.
www.rdescubre.org
Globo Verde Dominicano Award is the only national competition that recognizes audiovisual materials with environmental and sustainable development content. Comprising of four categories: Short Film, Public Service Announcement, Photography and Junior, it provides opportunities for Dominican students and young professionals to showcase their talent in front of a national and international audience while generating awareness on environmental and sustainable development issues. The winners receive their prizes during a special celebration within the framework of the Dominican Republic Environmental Film Festival.
www.globoverdedominicano.org
Year Round Environmental Film Screenings complements DREFF’s mission to reach more communities, institutions and individuals around the country with high quality films on critical environmental and sustainable development issues. It organizes film screenings year round with local partners and for diverse audiences, such as parents, children, teenagers, adults, academics and scientists.
www.dominicanscreenings.org
GFDD Short Productions raise awareness about important environmental and socioeconomic challenges, while highlighting best practices and promoting innovative solutions. They also encourage young filmmakers to produce documentaries on environmental issues.
http://documentaries.globalfoundationdd.org
DREFF Blog is a platform for the exchange of opinions on issues related to the environment and sustainable socio-economic development that stimulates both individual and community actions within this field. Containing articles and photo reports by national and international experts, the DREFF Blog raises awareness about our planet and offers practical advice on addressing today’s environmental challenges.
http://blog.dreff.org
