Salomé Ureña School Hosts the Screening of Nana to Celebrate Dominican Month

In its mission to promote the knowledge and appreciation of Dominican culture as well as to inspire the enrichment of the film culture of the Dominican Republic and bring its unique brand of cinema to a wider audience, Gloal Foundation for Democracy and Development (GFDD) partners with diverse institutions. Last Wednesday, February 8, Salome Ureña School in New York City hosted the screening of the documentary Nana. The film, which premiered last November in New York at the Dominican
Film Showcase, a GFDD initiative, it’s a deep and revealing documentary on the emotional links between nannies and the children they care for.

Leila Arbaje, the school’s night classes program coordinator, gave the welcoming words and explained that the event took place as part of the Dominican Month, in which Dominicans celebrate their culture and history. Arbaje also thanked GFDD for the support the foundation has been offering the school in several events and activities.

After the screening, Paul Goris, Director of Education and Educational Technologies of Funglode, led a brief discussion with the audience to clarify doubts and provide a moment to exchange opinions and ideas to the over 70 students that attended the event. Goris also introduced some of the foundation’s projects, and talked about its efforts to bring the Dominican community together and promote the Dominican culture and heritage.

The film moved the audience to laughter
and tears with its images of the Dominican Republic and its customs. Moving between rural and urban settings, the movie delves into the conflicts faced by live-in nannies, part of a chain of love where maternal figures are substituted and duplicated and strong links are forged between children and their nannies, as well as the nannies’ children and the grandmothers and aunts who raise them.

Related Links: www.dominicanfilmshowcase.org