Dominican Indie Films

1. Dominican Short Film A La Deriva Eyes the Oscars The Dominican short documentary A La Deriva (Adrift), directed by Paula Cury Melo, has earned the prestigious Best Documentary Short Film Award at the Rhode Island International Film Festival. This victory positions the film as the festival's official entry for consideration in the short film category at the Oscars. Rhode Island International is one of only 26 qualifying events in the United States where winners are eligible for Oscar consideration. A La Deriva, produced by Cury Melo’s production company Cristal Cine in collaboration with the American company Atomic Clock, explores the lives and struggles of young pregnant women in the Dominican Republic. The documentary offers a poignant and heartfelt look into their experiences, shedding light on a significant social issue in the country. Currently in the early stages of its festival journey, A La Deriva was showcased on August 7 at the John Wales Theater as part of the Rhode Island festival’s selection. At the awards ceremony on August 11, the judges praised the film, describing it as “an intimate and sincere perspective of the Dominican Republic, which is both fitting and deeply moving.”