The Dominican Republic Global Film Festival, now in its third year, showcases an impressive array of films, panels, workshops and special events. This year the festival honored Academy award nominated actor Omar Sherif (pictured) with guests in attendance including actors Manny Perez, Mikhail Barishnikov, and Michael Madsen. The country's President Dr. Leonel Fernández, a major supporter of the fest, was also in attendance at many of the screenings and events.

Programmed by ex-Sundance and Miami head Nicole Guillemet, the films are a diverse group of festival circuit favorites and new local productions. Highlights include SXSW Alumni SIN NOMBRE and 500 DAYS OF SUMMER, Guadalajara prem ELLA ES EL MATADOR and Gabriel Noble's P-STAR RISING. The festival's Opening Night film, TOUCHED, which was co-produced by Dominican actor Shalim Ortiz, Manny Perez's TIFF selection LA SOGA, along with the Closing Night Documentary SOL CARIBE were either filmed on the island and/or starred local actors and musicians.

The festival's panels and workshops provide local filmmakers and students with hands-on knowledge and advice from an impressive group on international programmers, filmmakers and professors. Held at the Fundación Global Democracia y Desarrollo (FUNGLODE), highlights included a Master Class taught by UCLA's MFA Program director Barbara Boyle, panels on short filmmaking, film festivals, subtitling and unique workshops that double as Q&A sessions for the films screenings.

For all the films and lively panel discussions, it's hard to not notice the festival's beautiful surroundings. Santo Domingo and the festivals' other host cities offer a great backdrop to the festival. With beautiful beaches and historic surroundings the island influences both the programming and festival's overall vision. The festival succeeds in knowing its audience and cultivating a burgeoning local film community.

Viva DRGFF!

Photo of Omar Sherif , President Dr. Leonel Fernández & First Lady (top) by Anna Casale, closing night photo (bottom) by Jarod Neece