Las Terrenas will host the Alma Film Festival with institutional support

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Las Terrenas, Samaná. Mayor Eduardo Esteban, Senator Pedro Catrain, the Minister of Tourism Andy Taveras, along with National Police authorities and cultural figures, held a coordination meeting on Friday, February 6th, to discuss the Alma Film Festival, an international film event scheduled to take place from March 17th to 22nd, 2026, in Las Terrenas, Samaná province.

The initiative is led by filmmaker Anthony R. Page, who has extensive experience in the audiovisual industry.
Las Terrenas Mayor Eduardo Esteban (center), alongside Minister of Tourism Andy Taveras (left), showing full commitment and the integration of local efforts in support of the Alma Film Festival.

Representing the cultural sector were Liset Manzueta, Colonel Fidel de la Cruz Alcántara, commander of the National Police department, and Ana Padilla, representing the department that coordinates actions with the Ministry of Tourism, among other authorities. 

During the meeting, the potential of Las Terrenas as an ideal setting for international cultural events was highlighted, due to its diverse landscape, cultural richness, and tourist positioning.

Mayor Eduardo Esteban reaffirmed the city council's support for initiatives that contribute to the municipality's economic and cultural development. Tourism Director Andy Taveras expressed his gratitude for the selection of Las Terrenas as the festival's venue, emphasizing the positive impact such events have on promoting tourism and culture in the region.

Mayor Esteban highlighted the narrative value of the area and the entire Samaná province, noting that "there is a story to tell," while recalling the pre-pandemic efforts to attract film productions and the consensus among provincial mayors to establish unified regulations to facilitate filming. 
We also had the opportunity to meet at the Governor’s Office and received support from the National Police to help ensure a safe, welcoming, and secure environment for our international visitors during the Alma Film Festival.

“We are deeply grateful to Mayor Eduardo Esteban, Senator Pedro Catrain, Minister Andy Taveras, the mayor of El Limón, Fernando Mercado, Richard Ronald Anderso,n Hidalgo - Director of Film Production for the area, and the many civic, cultural, and public safety leaders who have welcomed us with openness and a shared sense of purpose. Their support signals that Las Terrenas and the greater Samaná province are not only beautiful places to visit, but places ready to grow through culture, creativity, and collaboration.

For us, this festival is just the beginning. Our long-term commitment is to help plant the seeds for a dynamic and sustainable film infrastructure in the region—one that invites production activity, supports local vendors and small businesses, and creates meaningful economic opportunities for the community. Equally important is laying the groundwork to help train and prepare local citizens to participate in the film and television industry as it continues to grow.

We understand that this is a process that will take time, care, and consistency. Step by step, and in coordination with local leadership, we are committed to building something that lasts—an ecosystem that reflects the stories, talent, and spirit of Samaná while creating real pathways for local participation and long-term benefit.”

Anthony R Page - Festival Director of the Alma Film Festival

Honored to spend time with Fernando “Rafi” Mercado, mayor (alcalde) of El Limón in the Samaná province—continuing conversations rooted in community, connection, and a shared vision for building meaningful cultural bridges through the Alma Film Festival.

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