Dominican film industry has generated RD$10,141.6 million in nine years

Santo Domingo.- In the past three years, the Dominican Republic’s film industry has created over 25,000 jobs, with more than half occupied by women, and has facilitated training and collaboration with international film sectors, according to Yvette Marichal, former head of the General Directorate of Film (DGCine). The Law for the Promotion of Cinematographic Activity (Law 108-10) aims to enhance job creation and cultural promotion, yielding contributions of approximately RD$10.1 billion from 2011 to 2019.

Following the withdrawal of the Tax Modernization Project, the Santo Domingo Institute of Technology (INTEC) initiated dialogues with industry representatives, including film director Violeta Lockhart and legal expert Claudia Saviñón. Marichal emphasized that tax incentives encourage local production and cultural diversity, resulting in 195 films produced from 2010 to 2018, compared to just 101 films in the previous 88 years. Furthermore, 88% of service providers in the sector are local micro and small businesses, contributing to formal job creation and tax revenue.

Despite these advancements, challenges remain, particularly in film distribution. Saviñón noted that a single chain of theaters dominates the market, limiting the exhibition of Dominican films. She suggested leveraging streaming platforms to expand reach. Lockhart highlighted the need for academic institutions to promote cinema as a cultural priority and enhance community engagement. Panelists also discussed potential improvements to Law 108-10, such as increasing tax incentives to boost production and raising awareness about local films to encourage viewer interest.