Every summer the elite of black entertainment gather in New Orleans to share, to experience, to learn from one another and to engage with the community at the widely successful conference, Essence Festival of Culture. This year Essence Fest debuted their 1st Film Festival during the conference and invited Atlanta’s very own uber professional Dr. Diana Lynch, CEO & Founder of Alma de Samaná to lead a discussion on the film industry in the Dominican Republic as they aim to be the new “Hollywood in the Caribbean”, sought after film destination and announce that The Alma de Samaná International Film Festival will debut in 2026.

The Dominican Republic has been a preferred film and television location for years and has been the gorgeous backdrop for Hollywood hits with their lush green mountains, snowy mountain peaks, vibrant towns and white-sand beaches. A few popular block buster movies that were shot in the Dominican Republic were The Godfather 2, Jurassic Park and Fast & the Furious 4 & 7 and we are sure you remember the tv show Survivor when it was in the Dominican Republic. But the movies that were filmed in the untouched and all natural Samaná area were:

XXX: Return of Xander Cage- in Samaná Bay Shotgun Wedding- at Samaná Peninsula Lost City- at Samaná Peninsula

is no doubt that the Dominican Republic has gorgeous scenery for film makers to utilize but did you also know the amazing perks that the Government offers you to film Feature Films, Documentaries, TV Series & Mini-series, Videos and Short Films in their country? These are just a few perks listed and there are many more:

Tax Incentives: The Dominican Republic offers a 25% transferable tax credit on qualified expenditures for local productions and 20% for international productions. Additionally, a 15% tax credit is available for infrastructure investments in audiovisual production facilities.
Simplified Procedures: The government has streamlined permit processes, facilitating faster approvals for filming projects.

Institutional Support: Institutions such as the Dominican Film Commission (DGCINE) and the Dominican Republic Tourism Ministry provide guidance and support to filmmakers, assisting with location scouting, permits, and connections with local professionals.

Alma de Samaná and her luxury brand intend to have her own film festival called The Alma de Samaná International Film Festival in 2026 at our chic resort that will break the mold and create a festival that will put the audience in charge and connect you with the unique location. Alma de Samaná is the first Black-owned international luxury resort that will feature top-of-the-line amenities such as signature golf, professional sports training, rehabilitation, and medical campus.

The Alma de Samaná team aims to develop over 2,000 acres of prime commercial and residential property featuring over 1,400 luxurious villas and condominiums located on the northern shores of the Dominican Republic, just above Samaná Bay, the development offers breathtaking views of the bay and the Atlantic Ocean.