The Dominica Film Challenge, a Discover Dominica organized event, is currently underway with six teams of the most talented videographers from around the world traversing the island. The six teams arrived on the island on Saturday, February 28th and attended a brief welcome ceremony at the Anchorage Hotel. On Sunday, the teams attended orientation and were then treated to a whale watching excursion.
The Discover Dominica Authority is encouraging Dominicans to follow the weeklong exploits and adventures of the teams this week, as they seek to capture and share unique photos and videos of the islands breathtaking sites, sounds, and friendly people.
The Film Challenge participants will be posting on social media throughout the week, using the hashtag #DominicaChallenge on popular social media websites Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Posts have already started coming in.
About the Dominica Film Challenge: Discover Dominica Authority (DDA) conducted a worldwide search to find six teams of adventurous filmmakers to participate in the second annual Dominica Film Challenge. The qualified teams have been invited to the island for a creative expedition to uncover Dominica’s hidden treasures – through words, pictures and film.
Participants will spend a week on the island and are invited to tell the story of Dominica in their own creative way—whether the result is a short film, travelogue, photography project, or some other creative social media endeavor. Teams will compete against each other for the creative challenge portion of the expedition, with prizes being awarded to the teams that best portray the image of Dominica and their search to discover their inner explorer, all while raising awareness of Dominica’s natural beauty, attractions, and cultural heritage through their social media networks. The Dominica Film Challenge is designed to encourage participants to tell and share their story in their own creative way through film.
“Dominica is the secret Caribbean paradise we have all dreamed of,” said Michael Kraabel, executive producer of the Dominica Film Challenge. “It’s the perfect location for an eclectic mix of filmmakers and storytellers to experience something extraordinary—and then to document the experience for the world to see. Not only are the teams talented, but they also have an amazing social media following and influence. The combined following of the contestants is well over 3 million people.”
“Visitors are amazed at the rich cultural heritage, friendly people and picturesque natural beauty Dominica has to offer,” said Colin Piper, director of tourism. “We welcome an opportunity to showcase a truly authentic Nature Island experience through the lenses and written words of the expedition teams.”
Countless agencies and businesses joined forces to provide the teams with an authentic and inspirational travel experience including: Anchorage Hotel Whale Watch and Dive Center, Castle Comfort Lodge, Evergreen Hotel, Picard Beach Cottages, Calibishie Lodges, Fort Young Hotel, Rosalie Bay Resort, The Champs Hotel Restaurant and Bar, LIAT, Seaborne Airlines, Winair, Waitukubuli National Trail, Cobra Yacht Services and Tours, Kalinago Barana Aute, Champagne Reef Dive and Snorkel, Kubuli Beer, Old Stone Bar & Grill &Talie’s Pot Organic Products, as well as LIME Dominica, who provided SIM cards loaded with data and credit, so the teams are able to share their experiences while undertaking them.
The challenge takes place from March 2 – 6, with the final project submissions being posted online for a public vote in mid-May. Follow the participants online via twitter (@DominicaStory) or hashtag (#dominicachallenge). To learn more about the Dominica Film Challenge, visit dominicachallenge.com.
Hi everyone, we were part of that challenge and enjoyed every part of your country !!
Here is the result of our journey in the Nature Island, hoping you will like it : https://vimeo.com/127740996
Very nice….great way to think outside the box.
When it’s good we must say so. I believe this is an excellent initiative being undertaken by the DDA.
The Dominica Film Challenge seems like a great way to share the beauty and culture of the island…all though I haven’t visited in a while, the country is unique in the Caribbean in maintaining a low-key approach in developing tourism, a necessary industry, while preserving the “Nature” in its official name. Tourism can be a cultural detriment in small places like Hawaii and the Virgins, but it seems Dominica is following a different, wiser path in preserving its natural beauty, while earning needed tax dollars from events like this.
Correction: Thinking outside of the box not out of the box. Thank you
Now that’s what I’m talking about, thinking out of the box and coming up with creative ideas to market Dominica. This a fantastic idea and just to answer Out of South City question, everyone will benefit and not just the businesses who has sponsored this great idea. Marketing is very difficult to quantify but im sure Dominica will benefit. It’s all a very positive move. That’s the stories I love reading. Can clearly see that someone is thinking. Great stuff, keep it up
I just wonder who is going to profit from all of this. When these filmmakers are through will we benefit from their finished product? Looks like the businesses and agencies are at the forefront so no telling what their profit will be. What about the masses, is there anything in it for us? Just asking.
ONE LOVE
Tourism is everybody’s business and as such any venture that seeks to promote our tourism product will benefit us all (ordinary and corporate citizens alike). You must be aware of how powerful the internet and social media is in reaching millions of people worldwide. Can you imagine one of these people makes a really epic film that wows people so much that the video goes viral. Our visibility on the international tourism market will definitely increase
you not serious wth, of course Dominica going to benefit we all going to benefit this is like free marketing off Dominica hello…
Go and find your own camera and participate! What is in it for us? Really, is this all you people can think nowadays? Hard work for you to do is what that is in it for you! This will give the country and its tourism products another level of exposure, and this is what is in it for us!