Learning about Environmental Best Practices through Laughter at New Horizons School in Santo Domingo

September 14, 2016

The Dominican Republic Environmental Film Festival (DREFF), now in its sixth year, presented EcoFilm Children’s Shorts to some 100 third graders from New Horizons Bilingual School, with the collaboration of the International Environmental Short Film Festival of Mexico. The program is part of DREFF 2016.

The event took place in the school auditorium and was attended by teachers and school administrators. Short films touched on such issues as water, solid waste, energy, animal biodiversity and climate change, which were presented in simple and enjoyable ways to clearly convey the message to young children.

Following the screening of the five shorts films, Carlos Encarnación, representative of the Ministry of Environment, interacted with the children, asking them questions about what they learned and explaining to them about the importance of taking care of the environment and natural resources.

They also discussed best practices and gave examples of how to follow them in everyday life.

When the teachers and children left the classroom, they expressed gratitude to the organizers of the film screening. One of the teachers thanked the DREF team for the quality of the films and the important messages that were transmitted to the children in clear and fun ways for them to comprehend. They reiterated the importance of promoting and supporting these types of initiatives in the country.

Under this year’s slogan, “Yo soy sostenible” the sixth edition of the Dominican Republic Environmental Film Festival was inaugurated on Tuesday September 13 in Santo Domingo with a screening of the documentary The True Cost and a magnificent celebration of sustainable fashion in the Agora Mall, complete with a green carpet. The remainder of the Film Festival, to last until September 18, will take place in 11 cities around the Dominican Republic, including Santo Domingo, Santiago, Baní, Puerto Plata/Sosúa, San Juan de la Maguana, La Vega, Samaná, Hermanas Mirabel, Bonao, Punta Cana and La Romana in over 40 cinemas and screening rooms.  With 45 films, more than 40 international guests and 140 screenings throughout the length and width of the country, the sixth edition of the DREFF is the largest to date.

About the DREFF
Since its creation in 2011, the Dominican Republic Environmental Film Festival has been providing Dominicans with a platform of knowledge and debate on the environment and sustainable development, as well as examples of best practices to achieve them, while celebrating the unique beauty and natural heritage of the Dominican Republic. With a wide selection of documentaries and numerous panel discussions, workshops, seminars and community activities, the DREFF seeks to promote dialogue and the exchange of knowledge and experience with the goal of encouraging Dominicans to take measures that will contribute to the appreciation, conservation and sustainable use of the country’s unique natural resources.

www.dreff.org / info@dreff.org
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