This new contribution to the Dominican Global Film Festival, soon to be opening its third edition, seeks to widen its work in support of local film talent. The period for submissions closed on September 18. More than thirty future filmmakers will be competing to have their films premiered during the international film event that will take place November 18 - 22.

With this first Short Film Competition, the Festival further contributes to its main objectives: advancing the Dominican short film industry; promoting local productions; enriching local film culture; supporting the film community; and providing Dominican professionals the opportunity to form networks and increase the visibility of local productions at the national and international level.

All applicants meet competition criteria: older than 18 years of age; of Dominican nationality; produced films in the Dominican Republic; featured a minimum of 70% Dominican actors. Only one film per filmmaker was accepted.

Only one applicant will be awarded first prize, which will consist of a digital camera, tripod, lights and microphone. Ten honorable mentions will also be awarded. The honorable mentions as well as the first place films will be presented prior to all film screenings.

Since its conception, DRGFF has fulfilled its mission to project the country as an ideal country to shoot and produce films in an effort to promote the Dominican film industry and advance economic growth through screening a varied selection of international films and organizing panels in various locations in four cities in the Dominican Republic and through attracting guests from around the world. Festival organizers expressed that that they are certain that the new addition of the Short film Competition will help to contribute to the realization the Festival’s goals.

The final selection of the Short Film Competition will be on November 14, 2009.  The jury for the competition is comprised of Dominican and international film professionals.