The Burden: Seeking Solutions To Fossil Fuel Dependence

September 19, 2016

Santo Domingo – This past September 16, in the main auditorium of the Santo Tomás de Aquino campus of the PUCMM, a group of business students, lecturers, and the general public came together for a screening of the documentary The Burden, a central piece in a strategic media outreach campaign to inspire a move toward consolidating energy security and making full use of US innovation power.

After the screening some 70 participants attended a discussion panel comprised of director Roger Sorkin, a DREFF special guest; Rosy Ruiz and Tamara Mera, representatives of the Business Administration Department of the PUCMM; Carlos Janáriz, director of the Official Spanish Chamber of Commerce, Industry, and Tourism in the Dominican Republic; Luis Jansen, film critic and lecturer at PUCMM; and Josefina Reynoso, director of the Center for Security and Defense Studies at Funglode.

“With this documentary,” Sorkin explained, “I wanted to change the conversation in US politics; if they really want to support the troops, US soldiers, like they say they do, they should do what [the soldiers] are shouting that they need: a solution to fossil fuel dependence.”

Words of welcome were offered by María Victoria Abreu, DREFF programming director, who also moderated the debate with the national and international guests. The student attendees, who appeared highly interested in the documentary, actively participated in the discussion.

Josefina Reynoso, for her part, commented on the relationship between fossil fuels and national security: “When we talk about energy, we’re talking about national security. Linking national defense policy with renewable energy is vital.” Carlos Janáriz added that “renewables are the solution for development in the Dominican Republic, not from tomorrow – since yesterday.”

The staff of the Business Administration Department, delighted with DREFF, expressed their interest in holding screenings throughout the rest of the year.

About DREFF
Since its creation in 2011, the Dominican Republic Environmental Film Festival (DREFF) has offered the Dominican public a platform for knowledge and debate on environmental issues and sustainable development, as well as related challenges and best practices, while celebrating the unique beauty and natural wealth of the Dominican Republic. With a varied selection of films and numerous panels, workshops, seminars, and community activities, DREFF promotes dialogue and exchange of knowledge and experiences, inspiring the Dominican public to adopt actions to contribute to the appreciation, conservation, and sustainable use of environmental resources.

www.dreff.org / info@dreff.org
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#DREFF and #YoSoySostenible

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