Dominican Republic Industries Association (AIRD) president Ligia Bonetti announced the founding of the movie cultural cluster yesterday, Tuesday 13 May. The initiative, which is aimed at helping movies become part of the DR country brand, has the backing of the Ministry of Culture and the National Competitiveness Council. Representatives of the Dominican movie industry were at the AIRD headquarters for the presentation. According to Bonetti, the cultural industries in general, and filmmaking in particular, provide the opportunities that the country needs, and so must receive backing from all business segments.
Bonetti recalled that some 37 movies have been filmed in the DR since the approval of the movie law that provides tax breaks for productions. She highlighted the enormous potential of the industry to serve as liaison for all productive sectors as it has tie-ins with agriculture, financial services, infrastructure, tourism, telecommunications and commerce. She placed special emphasis on its importance for the country’s image, and on how it can serve to present the goodness of what is Dominican, our products, our music, art and sports. “It is an excellent tool for exports and country brand,” she said.
Culture Minister Jose Antonio Rodriguez, AIRD vice president Circe Almanzar and Competitiveness Council director Andres Van Der Horst also attended the event. Movie producers and directors were also present, as well as Robert Carradine, owner of Caribbean Cinemas, the largest movie house chain in the DR.
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