Dominican cinema has made significant progress and has expanded greatly since the enactment of Film Law 108-10. Over the past 12 years, thanks to the incentives and extensive facilities provided by this law for those producing films in the country and for those coming from abroad to film at our locations, the so-called film industry has consolidated in such a way that it has contributed substantial revenue to the Dominican state, generated many jobs, created a pool of professionals who support not only local productions but also international ones, and attracted major production companies and prominent actors to Dominican soil, while also strengthening the country brand of the Dominican Republic.
Many national sectors have utilized the Film Law to develop numerous film projects that entertain, educate, and help preserve important values from our culture, traditions, and history. In our particular case, since 2018 we have oriented our television channel, Señales TV, to promote film projects under the protection of the Film Law. In 2019, we released the documentary “Gilbert, Hero of Two Peoples,” a cinematic production that rescued the image of this patriot, leading Congress to declare him a National Hero and facilitating the relocation of his remains to the Pantheon of the Fatherland. In 2021, also under the umbrella of the Film Law, we premiered the documentary “Dominican Presidents in History (1844-1966),” which explored the history of the 47 presidents of our nation during that period. These first two productions we made under the Film Law were dramatized documentaries, known as docudramas, highlighting important aspects of Dominican history.
This year, we decided to create our first film in the dramatic genre, “The Transformed Man,” which is set to premiere on Thursday, December 8, in cinemas across the country. It is a film centered on values, made with great professional standards and featuring a distinguished cast of Dominican actors, aimed at encouraging reflection on the importance of strengthening families and marriages in a time when societal values are being eroded. In “The Transformed Man,” the story follows a man with serious problems in his marriage and family relationships, who is on the brink of losing everything due to his lack of appreciation.
He decides to place Jesus at the center of his life, and everything transforms. The lead roles are played by Riqui Gel, a renowned comedian and pastor, and Vivian Fatule, an excellent and professional actress who has participated in several films. The supporting cast includes Teo Terrero, Laila Taveras, Victor Checo, Ramón Emilio Candelario, Basilio Nova, Jean Luis Gel, Johan Paulino, Natan El Profeta, Zamantha Díaz, Sarah La Profeta, and Pastor Rady Paz, among others.
In the production process, the film had the participation of a highly professional, high-quality, and experienced technical team. The cinematography for “The Transformed Man” is led by Julio Frías, technical direction is by Saulo Constanzo, camera direction is by Gerald
Cruz, line production is by Zinayda Rodríguez, and the overall direction is our responsibility, along with the talented young professional Elvira Almonte. Like our previous two productions, this film was made under the protection of Film Law 108-10 and received support from Grupo Punta Cana, Grupo Viamar, Banco de Reservas, Grupo Rizek, Grupo Mejía Alcalá, Grupo Estrella, Grupo Corripio, Pura Vida FM, and RCC Media.
We call on all our readers and all Dominicans to attend the cinemas to see “The Transformed Man” with their families. This film is rooted in the promotion and defense of family values and the necessity to strengthen marriages at a time when divorce rates are rising in our country. With this film, we aim to continue instilling values in Dominican society and to build a future where marriage and family remain a fundamental support in all areas.
