Roberto Ángel Salcedo opens CAACI Audiovisual meetings in Dominican Republic
Juan Dolio.- The Dominican Republic officially inaugurated the XLIX Ordinary Meeting of the Conference of Audiovisual and Cinematographic Authorities of Ibero-America (CAACI) and the XXIX Extraordinary Meeting of the Intergovernmental Council of the IBERMEDIA Program, bringing together representatives from 22 countries to strengthen cooperation in the regional audiovisual and film industry.
The opening ceremony was led by Minister of Culture Roberto Ángel Salcedo, alongside the Director General of DGCINE, Marianna Vargas Gurilieva; Luís Chaby Vaz, President of the Instituto do Cinema e do Audiovisual (Portugal) and Executive Secretary of CAACI; and Marcio Migliorisi, representing the interim presidency of the IBERMEDIA Intergovernmental Council, currently held by Uruguay’s ACAU.
Over three days of meetings in Juan Dolio, audiovisual authorities from across Ibero-America will discuss strategies to deepen regional collaboration, exchange best practices, and promote policies that support the sustainable development of the film and audiovisual sector.
Marianna Vargas highlighted the Dominican Republic’s growing role in regional cooperation, noting that hosting delegations from 22 countries reflects the country’s commitment to a more integrated and competitive audiovisual industry. She also emphasized the importance of knowledge-sharing and alliance-building to expand opportunities for creators and professionals.
Luís Chaby Vaz also praised the Dominican Republic’s active participation in regional organizations, stressing that cooperation remains essential for strengthening the Ibero-American audiovisual ecosystem and fostering joint growth across member countries.
During the event, Minister Salcedo reaffirmed government support for the national film industry and announced the creation of a new funding initiative under the Film Promotion Fund (FONPROCINE): the Support Line for National Premieres in Alternative Spaces. The program will finance up to four projects annually with RD$200,000 each, aimed at bringing Dominican films to cultural, educational, and community venues outside traditional commercial cinemas.
The initiative seeks to expand film distribution, develop audiences, and strengthen alternative exhibition networks in coordination with the Network of Audiovisual Spaces of the Dominican Republic (RESCAD).
Salcedo also reflected on the evolution of the Dominican film industry since the enactment of Law 108-10, noting that the sector has transitioned from an informal structure to a growing industry with increasing national and international recognition.
The CAACI and IBERMEDIA meetings, held from June 23 to 26, reinforce the Dominican Republic’s position as a regional hub for audiovisual cooperation and cultural exchange across Ibero-America.
