Santo Domingo, DR.
More and more women occupy important roles in the Dominican film industry, historically dominated by men. They are more active in different roles, such as actresses, directors, producers, and screenwriters.
Leticia Tonos, Zumaya Cordero, Celinés Toribio, Nashla Bogaert, Paula Cury, Judith Rodríguez and Cheddy García, among others, make up a list that is gradually expanding.
Some impose bigger challengessuch as the renowned actress Celinés Toribio, who this week announced that she took a step that she considers the “most important of her career”, by assuming the role of director for the first time.
“La Novia del Atlántico”, the title of Toribio’s film production, which will be a “story of women, for women and made by women” and which will be shot at the end of this summer mainly in Puerto Plata and will have a technical team 90 % female.
Leticia Tonos, another example, He is one of the most prestigious and respected names in Dominican cinema, and no wonder.
Like many filmmakers, she began producing commercials for television, and over the years led her to the seventh art where she has been received by local and international warmth and appreciation.
The director, producer and screenwriter has guided film projects such as “Cristo Rey” (2013), “Juanita” (2018) and “La hija natural” (2011). In 2020, she received the Sovereign Award for Best Director for the film “My 500 crazy people”. Her next bet is a tape about Milly Quezada.
He has also topped the list of nominees and winners at prestigious international festivals such as the Miami Film Festival and the Chicago Latino Festival.
The Creole is also co-founder of ADOCINE (Dominican Association of Film Industry Professionals), an organization dedicated to promoting the film industry in the country.
Nashla Bogaert
His talent is akin to the sympathy and esteem that the public enjoys. This actress with a great career in film and television has proven to have versatile skin by being able to dress in various roles such as producer, presenter and theater actress.
His filmography includes “Hotel Coppelia” (2021), a film directed by José María Cabral, which, beyond the controversy it caused, was well received by critics and was even released on the HBO streaming platform.
Bogaert is the winner of multiple awards, including La Silla and Soberano for Best Actress for “Who is in charge?”
Minervas Film
With the purpose of “promoting the female gaze and participation in the cinema”, Minervas Film was born, a production house directed by women and that honors the name of the heroine to which its name alludes.
Violeta Lockhart, Alexandra Santana and Virginia Antares, creators of this production company, have the mission of contributing to the transformation of society through the making of films of “social, cultural and political value” that contribute to the transformation of society.
Some of his projects include “A passage without return” (2021), “What could have been” (2016) and “Así ganamos” (in pre-production stage).
Paula Cury (Cristal Cine)
This young filmmaker is the creator of the Cristal Cine production house. She recently premiered “Adrift”, a short documentary about teenage pregnancy on the occasion of International Women’s Day.
“With this project, we seek to generate visibility in the face of these social problems and create a space for reflection and conversation, remembering that the rights of girls, boys and women are essential. They deserve access to comprehensive sexual education, free of taboos and stigmas, ”she wrote on her social networks.
Zumaya Lamb
Who today is recognized as a leader in entertainment in the country, once used to sell hamburgers in a fast food restaurant. Cordero is the General Director of Operations for Caribbean Cinemas, one of the largest movie theater chains in the entire Caribbean.
The producer is an example of improvement and proof that women are capable of leading big projects. His credits include major productions such as “Colao”, “Qué León” and “Los Leones”, the latter of which came to the Netflix streaming platform.
Judith Rodriguez
With more than 20 years in art, Judith Rodríguez is one of the most respected film and theater actresses in the country. Rodríguez is known for her roles in films such as “Carpinteros” (2017), “Cocote” (2017) and “Té para tres” (2013).
The singer was also shortlisted for the 2023 Platino Awards in the category of Best Female Performance for her role in “Rafaela”, in addition to being nominated for the 2021 and 2022 Soberano Awards.
Cheddy García
Although she is best known for her comedy and humorous personality, it cannot be forgotten that the actress demonstrated her ability to play a dramatic role in the film “La lucha de Ana” (2012). The film, for which she received the Sovereign Award for Best Actress, tells the story of a mother who seeks justice for her murdered son.
García also made her debut as a producer and screenwriter for “Teacher Mechy”, her most recent project that is based on a personal experience.