By DNO Correspondent
Oriel Rodriguez, a Cuban film maker and teacher at the International Film and Television School in Havana, Cuba, has seen great potential in local filmmakers and has called on the Government of Dominica to support the industry.
Rodriguez, who taught a film making/editing course here earlier this month, said that the enthusiasm and potential of local film makers were inspirational, but they lacked experience.
In an exclusive interview with Dominica News Online, Rodriguez noted that the tremendous potential for the course’s students is overpowered by the of lack support.
“ I am very, very happy to say that there’s so much enthusiasm here for making films … I think that the government here should really look at that movement, that young people who are so anxious about making films and give them some support … Because I don’t think that they are getting support at all,” he added.
Rodriguez spoke of how students prevailed during the course, despite the inferior equipment most of them possessed.
“The equipment that they are using they are not good for that … The computers that they were using are not the right computers for doing editing because they are just standard computers for typing letters and the program is not running well. But they are still there pushing buttons … They have to imagine how it would be if the computer is working properly, but they will get there because they want to learn,” the filmmaker said.
“In my experience as a teacher, this has been my best experience. Because I feel that I am giving something to the people and they are so happy to get it… It’s amazing,” Rodriguez said.
Rodriguez hopes that some, if not all, his local students will be able to venture to Cuba, to undertake film production courses in the near future. He reiterated that this may only be possible through sponsorship of their Government.
On Friday over 20 students graduated from the film course. The course took place at the Public Service Training Center.
The Dominica Film Commission made the course possible.
I agree with you a hole lot, in as much that you see the potencial in Dominican young people.it would be wise you work with the Film Commission, and they inturn will look for sponsorship to send the student to Cuba . am sure the Government will lend a helping hand.
how comes i knew that was going. i watching on tv and is pure family i seeing dere . i hope the monster of more sewo was dere. is a good thing i buying my books and learning all them programs. it look like is for one set.
I agree but why does Government have to take up the initiative. Why cant the filmmakers come together and form some type of organization? Wont they be the one ripping the benefits?.
We as Dominicans rely on the Government too much to get things done, is about time we start coming together to form organizations, seek funding and begin ventures “OURSELVES”.
They would be the one reaping the benefits???
Huh! My dear film is a fantastic way to boost any tourism industry. And in that case, in a small country like ours, Government imput would be a definite impetus!
Good training. But it is ashame that only a chosen few were invited to this workshop. Whats going on there? Hemm………………………..
Sandra and devideoguy, I suggest that you send your information to the Dominica Film Office – name, contact information and maybe a bio (giving an idea of what you have done so far). They are building a list of stakeholders, and are the ones who will end up organising most training activities. Their email address is [email protected]
I agree Mr. Rodriguez… I have been around people with this potential!!!