Festival Minuto del AguaThe ninth edition of the “Minuto del Agua” International Short Film Festival, also known as FestMinutoAgua, was successfully celebrated by the Municipios al Día Foundation. The event took place at the Pontificia Universidad Católica Madre y Maestra (PUCMM). The short films Hypnosis and Ineffable value took first place in the National and Pre-University divisions, respectively.
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This significant event emphasizes sustainability and the crucial role of water as a life-sustaining resource. The participants are filmmakers dedicated to environmental preservation and have used their platform to create short films aimed at fostering awareness about water conservation.
Award-winning short films
The ceremony announced winners across various categories, honoring the talented individuals and groups from the Dominican film industry advocating for water conservation.
- National Competition 1st place: Hypnosis
- 2nd place in National Competition: Today is not yesterday
- 3rd place in National Competition: Without water there is no coffee
- 1st place in Pre-University: Ineffable value
- Best Poster: The other side
- Best Art Design: Dirty
- Best Sound: Hypnosis
- Best Editing: The other side
- Best Director: Jhoan Manuel Herrera for The Next Weekend
- Best Script: Isabela Fernández by Hypnosis
- Best Actor: Felipe Blonda for The Next Weekend
- Best Cinematography: Alberto Reyes for Hypnosis
The short films Dirty, The other side, and Being and water were given special mention.
The judging panel included Dahiana Acosta, Jimmy Hungary, and José Aquino from the Dominican Association of Press and Film Criticism (Adopresci). Additionally, Armando Guareño, the Director of the Dominican Film Festival in New York, and Paula Cury Melo, a producer, and director, contributed to the evaluation process.
Honorary recognitions
Costa Rica, a nation celebrated for its incredible biodiversity and commitment to sustainability, received recognition as an honorary guest country during the ceremony. The Ambassador of Costa Rica to the Dominican Republic, Mr. Edwin Arias Chinchilla, accepted the recognition on behalf of his nation.
Moreover, the FestMinutoAgua recognized Polo Municipality in the Barahona province, renowned for its rich coffee tradition and its commitment to sustainability. The city is an influential example of sustainable agriculture and water conservation compatibility, serving as an inspiration to future generations. Mr. Danilsa Cuevas, the mayor of the Polo Barahona City Council, accepted the tribute on behalf of the city.
Other recognitions were given to ‘Festicafé’ for its dedication to environmental preservation through coffee culture and to the ‘Water Culture Project’ for its excellent work in promoting water consciousness via education and culture.
A Call-to-Action Platform
In the words of the festival’s director, Augusto Valdivia, this event is critical in creating awareness for water preservation. Expressing his gratitude to participants, jurors, and partners, Valdivia stated: “Each short film showcased not only the art of filmmaking but the pressing need to protect our most valuable resource: water.’
The evening ended with the screening of all winning short films, providing an enriching experience and stimulating deliberation and action towards environmental protection.
The event received support from the Popular Foundation, Lopesan, Cooproharina, Induveca, Punta Cana Resort, Cibao Savings and Loan Association, Indrhi, Egehid, and Infotep. UNESCO, DGCINE, Caribbean Cinemas, Bagrícola, Prolidercoop, Radio Televisión Dominicana, and Villa Agora Mall also contributed collaboratively. Other supporters included Adocine, Mira Cinema, Valdivida Publicidad, Procine, Cinéate, Círculo de Locutors Dominicanos, and Adopresci.