Paramount’s Dominican connection: how a film empire anchored in the Caribbean

Santo Domingo.- Paramount Pictures may be synonymous with Hollywood glamour, but its history is deeply intertwined with the Dominican Republic thanks to Charles Bluhdorn, the industrial magnate behind Gulf+Western’s acquisition of the studio in 1966. Bluhdorn, who had strong ties to the island, transformed Paramount into a global powerhouse while quietly positioning the Dominican Republic as a player in the film industry.

According to a report by Diario Libre, Bluhdorn’s influence extended beyond boardrooms. Under his leadership, the country became a filming destination for major productions, including The Godfather Part II, where Dominican locations doubled as Havana. This move not only showcased the island’s cinematic potential but also injected jobs and technical expertise into the local economy.

Today, that legacy resonates as the Dominican Republic emerges as a sought-after location for international shoots. With growing infrastructure and a vibrant creative community, the groundwork laid decades ago is fueling new opportunities for co-productions and global partnerships, proof that Bluhdorn’s vision was ahead of its time.

Paramount’s Dominican connection is more than a historical footnote; it’s a story of cultural exchange and economic impact. From iconic scenes filmed on Dominican soil to the country’s rising role in global cinema, this relationship underscores how Hollywood’s reach can shape industries and identities far beyond its own borders.