Dominican Community in Jamaica Plain, MA Celebrates Culture with Art Exhibit and Screening of “Hay un país en el mundo”

Jamaica Plain, MA. – A celebration of Dominican culture that included a special screening of the documentary “Hay un país en el mundo” (There is a Country in the World) and an art exhibit was held at the Connolly Branch of the Boston Public Library in Jamaica Plain, Massachusetts. The event, taking place on Monday, April 1, was facilitated by the Global Foundation for Democracy and Development (GFDD) and part of the organization’s efforts to promote appreciation of Dominican heritage in the United States.

The celebration was co-hosted by the Boston City Councilmember Matt O’Malley, with the support of many community leaders representing the Dominican diaspora in Massachusetts including, Jackeline Peguero, from Banilejos Unidos; Yvette Gonzales, president of the Dominican Week in Boston; Odelice Ramirez, president of Lazos de Amor as well as Samuel Acevedo, executive director of Boston Higher Education Resource Center.

The space used for the screening was decorated with artwork by a Dominican folklorist Isaias Amaro, who generously prepared an exhibit of pictures and other pieces of artwork. Included in the exhibit were also carnival masks representing different regions of the Dominican Republic as well as several güiras, a traditional Dominican percussive instrument used in merengue and cumbia. Amaro also revealed that he would soon create a 20-feet tall güira, the largest ever made.

Ms. Katy Polanco Berndt, GFDD’s Massachusetts Liaison, moderated the event. During her welcoming remarks, Ms. Polanco thanked the sponsors and organizers of the celebration. She gave special thanks to Mr. O’Malley a City Councilmember, who has played an important role supporting the Dominican community in the 6th district of Boston, where many Dominicans reside.

Ms. Polanco also thanked the General Managers of Connolly Branch Library, Emily Todd and Sujei Lugo who very graciously allowed GFDD to use the space.

Prior to the screening, GFDD’s institutional video was presented to provide some information on the initiatives and programs that the organization carries out.

Two book publications were showcased: “Dominicano/All Things Dominicans,” published by GFDD and the “Diccionario Cultural Dominicano,” published by Editorial Global.

The spectators laughed throughout the documentary and expressed much pride and satisfaction for the invitation to view such a well-done film. “Hay un país en el mundo” is a celebration of Dominican culture and heritage and was produced thanks to support from Dominican bank BHD-León.

At the end of the screening of “Hay un país en el mundo,” Ms. Polanco announced the next presentation of the documentary to take place in Salem, MA on Saturday, April 6th.

The crowd overwhelming expressed their interest in attending future events with GFDD and to more celebrations that support Dominican heritage and empower the Dominican community in Massachusetts.

About the Documentary
“Hay un país en el mundo” (There is a country in the world), directed by José (Pinky) Pintor, is a walk-through of the natural landscape of the Dominican Republic, describing the country’s historic, cultural and social values as explained by experts in specific areas of interest. The documentary’s musical score was produced by distinguished Dominican artists and is named after the emblematic poem by Dominican poet, Pedro Mir.