INDIA was Country of Honor this year at the 17th edition of the prestigious Festival de Cine Global Santo Domingo 2025. The Opening Ceremony on 31st Jan 2025 was held at the prestigious National Theater, and was attended by luminaries of the Media Industry in Dominican Republic as well as international guests. Ambassador Abbagani delivered the opening address to around 1500 attendees. It was a true celebration of Indian Cinema as the first Film screened at the Opening ceremony was the Indian Film All We Imagine As Light, arranged by the Embassy in collaboration with Ministry of Information & Broadcast, India, under the DCDFC Scheme for Promotion of Indian Cinema. The highly acclaimed film has won many awards including the Grand Prix at Cannes 2024. Other Indian Films part of the India Showcase being screened at the Festival on different days are In Retreat, Tractor, and Courage. All the screenings held on days after the Opening Ceremony were at Silver Sun Theater, Caribbean Cinemas. All the screenings were non commercial and access to public was free. All the the Indian films garnered a good response and appreciation from the Dominican audience and film enthusiasts in attendance.