Most avid movie goers would be surprised at just how many modern day films were either shot in or include stories from the Dominican Republic. The landscape provided the perfect backdrop for plots requiring a Latin look, and it was far more convenient to film there than in the hustle of Mexico or Brazil. Here we will look at a short list of films with the Dominican influence.
In 1922, a documentary film called 'La Leyenda de Nuestra Senora de Altagracia', or translated 'the Legend of Our Lady of Altagracia'. Our Lady of Altagracia is the protective mother of the Dominican people and as such, a very sacred figure in the culture. The legend of her arrival is told in this documentary, one of the first of its kind in the Dominican Republic. This film tops our list for several reasons. First, for the significance of the story it tells.. Second, for the extreme reverence held for its chief character and third, for the timeless nature of its format.
The Godfather Saga is probably one of the most famous movie franchises in history. It tells the story of a mafia family, spanning over several generations. Incorporated in the plot are historical events including the American conflict with Cuba. In part two of the series shot in 1974, members of 'the family' were able to get in, do business and get of Cuba. In reality, that was not possible. Therefore, the scenes meant to take place in Cuba were actually shot in the Dominican Republic. The Latin atmosphere was present but without the political difficulties.
The 2001 film 'In the Time of the Butterflies' is a very important film for the Dominican Republic. Based on the true history of the Mirabel sisters, it illustrates their efforts to overthrow the notorious Dominican dictator Rafael Trujillo. In the end, Las Mariposas (the butterflies) are murdered by Trujillo soldiers but the their story inspired the people of the Dominican to stand up for their rights in unison. In 1999, the United Nations designated the anniversary of the Mirabel sisters' death (November 25th) as International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.
In 2008, the sports drama film 'Sugar' was released with critical acclaim. It tells the story of a young Dominican pitcher, struggling to reach the US minor leagues. The story may not refer to a specific person in history but there is a real possibility the same scenario has been played out before. The struggle to rise out of poverty in the slums of the Dominican Republic occurs everyday. Add that to the physical talent for baseball and there are probably hundreds of young boys living the life and storyline of 'Sugar'.
'Where There Is No Water' is a documentary film made in 2005 that discusses the struggles of the people in Oviedo, a small Dominican town. The scarcity of usable water in the region is mind-boggling, as much as in places like Africa and India. Writer and director Jonathon Mueller interviews children, business owners and community leaders in his quest to learn more about these poverty stricken areas of the Dominican Republic.
'Sanky Panky' is a comedic film shot in the Dominican Republic in 2007 and was shown at the 24th Chicago Latino Film Festival. It tells the story of a young man working in his mother's store. He dreams of being a 'sanky panky' (male prostitute), thinking it is the best way to land himself a rich American woman. He fails miserably and with much hilarity.
'Nueba Yol' (New York) holds a classic theme from the culture of the Dominican Republic. It tells of Balbuena's quest to reach 'USland', get rich and return home wrapped in dollars. Each time it seems he is about to reach his goal, something happens to send him right back to square one. There are a few sequels to the film and apparently a spin off TV series.
There are so many more films bearing the mark of the Dominican Republic; too many to list here! 'The Pirates of the Caribbean' franchise is shot in the Dominican, 'Pinero' is the story of a Dominican poet played by Benjamin Bratt, and 'Extraordinary Women' is a historical film about key Dominican women who helped shape the country. Whether you are gearing up for a trip to the area or have just returned, why not have a Dominican movie night? The more you see and learn about the culture, the more you will want to visit it!
In 1922, a documentary film called 'La Leyenda de Nuestra Senora de Altagracia', or translated 'the Legend of Our Lady of Altagracia'. Our Lady of Altagracia is the protective mother of the Dominican people and as such, a very sacred figure in the culture. The legend of her arrival is told in this documentary, one of the first of its kind in the Dominican Republic. This film tops our list for several reasons. First, for the significance of the story it tells.. Second, for the extreme reverence held for its chief character and third, for the timeless nature of its format.
The Godfather Saga is probably one of the most famous movie franchises in history. It tells the story of a mafia family, spanning over several generations. Incorporated in the plot are historical events including the American conflict with Cuba. In part two of the series shot in 1974, members of 'the family' were able to get in, do business and get of Cuba. In reality, that was not possible. Therefore, the scenes meant to take place in Cuba were actually shot in the Dominican Republic. The Latin atmosphere was present but without the political difficulties.
The 2001 film 'In the Time of the Butterflies' is a very important film for the Dominican Republic. Based on the true history of the Mirabel sisters, it illustrates their efforts to overthrow the notorious Dominican dictator Rafael Trujillo. In the end, Las Mariposas (the butterflies) are murdered by Trujillo soldiers but the their story inspired the people of the Dominican to stand up for their rights in unison. In 1999, the United Nations designated the anniversary of the Mirabel sisters' death (November 25th) as International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.
In 2008, the sports drama film 'Sugar' was released with critical acclaim. It tells the story of a young Dominican pitcher, struggling to reach the US minor leagues. The story may not refer to a specific person in history but there is a real possibility the same scenario has been played out before. The struggle to rise out of poverty in the slums of the Dominican Republic occurs everyday. Add that to the physical talent for baseball and there are probably hundreds of young boys living the life and storyline of 'Sugar'.
'Where There Is No Water' is a documentary film made in 2005 that discusses the struggles of the people in Oviedo, a small Dominican town. The scarcity of usable water in the region is mind-boggling, as much as in places like Africa and India. Writer and director Jonathon Mueller interviews children, business owners and community leaders in his quest to learn more about these poverty stricken areas of the Dominican Republic.
'Sanky Panky' is a comedic film shot in the Dominican Republic in 2007 and was shown at the 24th Chicago Latino Film Festival. It tells the story of a young man working in his mother's store. He dreams of being a 'sanky panky' (male prostitute), thinking it is the best way to land himself a rich American woman. He fails miserably and with much hilarity.
'Nueba Yol' (New York) holds a classic theme from the culture of the Dominican Republic. It tells of Balbuena's quest to reach 'USland', get rich and return home wrapped in dollars. Each time it seems he is about to reach his goal, something happens to send him right back to square one. There are a few sequels to the film and apparently a spin off TV series.
There are so many more films bearing the mark of the Dominican Republic; too many to list here! 'The Pirates of the Caribbean' franchise is shot in the Dominican, 'Pinero' is the story of a Dominican poet played by Benjamin Bratt, and 'Extraordinary Women' is a historical film about key Dominican women who helped shape the country. Whether you are gearing up for a trip to the area or have just returned, why not have a Dominican movie night? The more you see and learn about the culture, the more you will want to visit it!
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