DREFF Will Present Discussion Panel on National Recycling Initiatives and Screening of Documentary Film Bag It!

New York, May 20, 2012

On Wednesday, May 30, at 7:00 pm, the Dominican Republic Environmental Film Festival (DREFF), an initiative of GFDD, will organize a program on recycling at FUNGLODE headquarters in Santo Domingo, which will feature a panel discussion with key societal actors behind the country’s recycling and green living movement, followed by the screening of the documentary film Bag It!. Admission is free and open to the public.

The disposal of solid waste is a one of the greatest environmental challenges facing the Dominican Republic. This problem continues to grow as the population increases and with the development of industries. In an attempt to address this challenge and present best environmental practices in waste management, DREFF will organize a panel discussion with Ginny Heinsen (Project Coordinator, Center for the Development of Agriculture and Forestry CEDAF), Lorna Aquino (Excecutive Director, Green Love), Nicolas Mendoza (Executive Director, Fundación de Saneamiento Ambiental de la Zurza – FUNSAZURZA),  and Domingo Contreras (Secretary General of the Municipality).)  Invited speakers will discuss the varied initiatives that their respective organizations are realizing to address waste management through recycling and community clean-up programs.

The panel discussion will be followed by the screening of the documentary film, Bag It!, directed by Suzan Beraza, which tells the story of Jeb Berrier’s decision to stop using plastic bags at the grocery store. Little does Jeb suspect, this simple decision will completely change his life.  He comes to the conclusion that our consumptive use of plastic has finally caught up to us, and looks at what we can do about it. Today. Right now. The film delves into the detrimental environmental impacts of plastic on waterways, oceans and the human body.

The screening will conclude with closing remarks from Fer Figueras (photographer and environmental activist), who will be showcasing his most recent photography exhibit, Maquina de espuma, and reflecting on the ever increasing presence of plastic in our natural environment.

This program is the outcome of the I Dominican Republic Environmental Film Festival, celebrated in September 2011, and the resulting national and international network that emerged.

About Dominican Republic Environmental Film Festival

DREFF raises awareness and deepens understanding of environmental issues among Dominican audiences, while celebrating the beauty and diversity of the country’s natural heritage. Through screening a diverse selection of high-quality films on matters of environmental concern, and organizing panel discussions with environmental experts, filmmakers and other stakeholders, the Festival seeks to foster dialogue and to inspire Dominican audiences to adopt practices that will ensure for the health and environmental sustainability of the country.

By bringing together youth, scholars, experts, activists, filmmakers, representatives of public, private and nongovernmental institutions and the general public, the Festival promotes programs and projects that contribute to environmental protection, conservation and sustainability.

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Join us in celebrating the Second Edition of the Dominican Republic Environmental Film Festival, to take place September 5-9, 2012!

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Related links:
www.cedaf.org.do
www.fundsazurza.com
www.ferfigheras.com.ar
www.facebook.com/GreenLoveRD