DGCINE promotes access to the seventh art with the new Alternative Cinema Network (Rescad)
The General Directorate of Cinema (DGCINE), under the management of its Dominican Cinematheque, has taken a fundamental step to democratize access to cinema in the country with the launch of the Dominican Alternative Cinema Theater Network (Rescad). This initiative seeks to decentralize cultural offerings and boost the circulation of national and international productions that do not always find space in commercial theaters.
The project formally began following the signing of a strategic agreement between DGCINE and the Casa de Teatro Foundation. The pact, signed by Marianna Vargas Gurilieva, director of the film institution, and cultural manager Freddy Ginebra Giudicelli, establishes that this historic cultural center will join the network with a theater dedicated exclusively to the screening of audiovisual works.
Comprehensive support and audience development
The Dominican Alternative Cinema Network will not only function as an exhibition point, but as a center for cultural revitalization. Among the benefits that the Casa de Teatro screening room will offer are:
- Constant programming of Dominican feature films, short films, and documentaries.
- Hosting of discussions and close encounters with filmmakers and directors.
- Activities focused on film appreciation and the development of new audiences.
- Technical advice and specialized curation by the Dominican Cinematheque.
Rescad was born to connect our works with more audiences and generate new opportunities for their exhibition and circulation. The incorporation of Casa de Teatro, an institution with a fundamental trajectory for Dominican culture, constitutes a significant starting point for this initiative.
Marianna Vargas Gurilieva, General Director of DGCINE
A boost to national cinema through Fonprocine
The integration of Casa de Teatro into Rescad aligns with Fonprocine’s new line of support, specifically designed to strengthen the circulation of Dominican films in non-traditional circuits. This synergy will allow beneficiary projects to have concrete tools and spaces to reach viewers outside of conventional theater listings.
For his part, Freddy Ginebra highlighted the importance of this agreement for the institution he leads, which has been a pillar of art in the Dominican Republic since its founding in 1974. “Casa de Teatro has always been a home for creators. With our incorporation into Rescad, we are opening a permanent space for cinema to find new audiences,” stated Ginebra.
With this deployment, the DGCINE reaffirms its commitment to building a more diverse, inclusive, and accessible cinematic ecosystem, ensuring that Dominican talent finds exhibition windows throughout the entire national territory.
