In a landmark achievement for Caribbean cinema, the Dominican production ‘Zumeca’ has secured two prestigious awards at the internationally renowned Slamdance Film Festival. The film earned both the Grand Jury Prize and the Best Actress honor for lead performer Angela Cano, marking a significant milestone for the Dominican Republic’s film industry.
Directed by acclaimed actor David Maler, the groundbreaking project premiered in Slamdance’s competitive ‘Breakouts’ section, becoming the first Dominican film ever selected for this category. Festival jurors celebrated the production for its poetic narrative and uncompromising depiction of an intercultural romance set in pre-colonial times, recognizing Maler’s distinctive artistic vision within contemporary global cinema.
During his acceptance speech, Maler characterized the film as both a profoundly personal endeavor and a collective national achievement. He dedicated the accolades to the Dominican Republic and all collaborators who contributed to what he initially considered an ‘impossible’ project. The director expressed aspirations that ‘Zumeca’ would serve to revitalize and reinforce cultural memory both within the Dominican Republic and on international platforms.
The production received substantial backing from Grupo SID, with executive José Miguel Bonetti Du-Breil emphasizing the corporation’s enduring dedication to cultural preservation. This commitment previously manifested in 2019 when the group supported publication of the original ‘Zumeca’ novel by Lucía Amelia Cabral, recognizing its significance to Dominican national identity.
Slamdance Festival has earned global recognition as a launching platform for cinematic luminaries including Christopher Nolan, Bong Joon-ho, Ari Aster, and Sean Baker. The selection of ‘Zumeca’ among only five worldwide productions in its category underscores the festival’s endorsement of emerging Dominican storytelling and its growing influence on international cinema.