The Gala Premier of the Long-Awaited Film María Montéz Takes Place Before a Full House

The Gala Premier of the Long-Awaited Film María Montéz Takes Place Before a Full House
Santo Domingo, December 05, 2014

In the presence of the Minister of Culture (MINC), singer and songwriter José Antonio Rodríguez, Orange Cinema hosted the Gala Premier of the long-awaited Dominican film “María Montez”, in the majestic stage of the Palace of Fine Arts.

María Montez is a film produced by Celinés Toribio, who is also the lead actress. It depicts a story based on the life of the first Dominican actress to work in Hollywood. The film is directed by Vicente Peñarrocha, who has been a nominee to the Spanish Goya Awards.

The film debut at the national level is scheduled for December 11th.

The historical film recreates the actress’ past and keeps the viewers in suspense while they bear witness to a girl’s struggle to succeed and then how she attains worldwide fame.

Prior to the screening of the film, its producer and lead actress, Celinés Toribio, accompanied by the Minister of Culture and by Orange Dominicana executives, talked with personalities from the artistic and business worlds, as well as with the domestic and international cast of characters and with the corporate sponsors.

The cast arrived at the front entrance of the Palace of Fine Arts aboard classic luxury vehicles of the various types that abounded at the time when the late Dominican actress lifted up the Dominican Republic’s reputation.

Between scenes, the performance of charismatic comedian Cuquín Victoria in the role of María Montez’s Manager, was highlighted, as well as that of popular singer Maridalia Hernández, in the role of a loving and supportive mother.

Among other important figures of the movie industry, the performances of Lizbeth Santos, Dominic Fuentes, Juan Fernández, Isabella Wall, Paula Sánchez Ferri, Mariela Encarnación, Ben Temple, Lionel Auguste, Gines García Millán, and Adrian Mas were also highlighted.

Minister José Antonio Rodríguez emphasized that with the screening of this interesting film the Dominican culture has put its best foot forward.

He said that his approach to cinema follows the insights he has acquired on the quality of those who have carried on their shoulders the burden of what we have currently denominated the Dominican film.

“Because I am an irreverent, if you prefer, I ask you on my knees to accept as Dominican all films and not only those in which we have managing or acting roles”, suggested Rodríguez.

Following the same order of ideas, he added that the film industry shows signs of development once the experts can subject it to dismemberment.

In turn, Danilo Geneva, Vice President of Marketing at Orange, said that the company feels great pleasure in presenting, together with actress Celinés Toribio, María Montez, a relevant story of the Dominican film industry.

The film tells the story of María Montez, the first Dominican female actress to conquer Hollywood in the 1940s, succeeding in breaking down language and cultural barriers, crossing borders from the United States to Europe, and attaining fame in the international scenario thanks to the combination of beauty and talent.

María Africa Gracia Vidal, María Montez, was born in the province of Barahona, Dominican Republic, on June 6, 1912. She was a self-taught entrepreneur who died at the age of 39.