Malaga Film Fest Bows Dominican Republic’s ‘The Day of the Storm’

“The Day of the Storm” Premieres at Malaga Film Fest

The European premiere of “The Day of the Storm” (“El día de la tormenta”) by Alexander Viola took place on March 18 at the Malaga Film Festival. The film explores the fusion of Christian and African beliefs in the Dominican Republic, specifically in the region of San Juan de la Maguana.

Viola and Cristian Mojica, his co-screenwriter and producing partner at Mentes Fritas, shared that the deep south region of San Juan de la Maguana is steeped in myths, supernatural stories, and Santería practices. They highlighted how these traditions not only preserve local folklore but also provide a framework for understanding life’s mysteries. In “The Day of the Storm,” the filmmakers delve into how these spiritual beliefs influence the perception of reality in communities residing in these historically and mystically charged areas.

The psychological thriller centers around Macario, who becomes convinced that his daughter is responsible for the deaths of several village children. Overwhelmed by fear and guilt, he retreats to the mountains, grappling with doubt and the burden of believing that his own flesh and blood harbors such darkness. Determined to confront the evil plaguing his community, Macario prepares to confront the darkness regardless of the consequences.

Inspired by real events near Viola’s hometown and enriched with legends and childhood tales, the film aims to explore how faith and beliefs shape one’s reality and influence daily life. Through “The Day of the Storm,” the filmmakers blur the lines between reality and the supernatural, showcasing how local folklore continues to resonate in collective memory and guides communities in facing the unknown.

The film features black-and-white sequences where locals share the stories they have heard, adding an authentic touch to the narrative. Mentes Fritas, known for pushing the boundaries of cinematic language and embracing their Caribbean identity, aims to merge magical realism with humor and absurdity, creating immersive experiences where reality and fantasy intertwine seamlessly.

Founded in 2007, Mentes Fritas has established a strong Caribbean identity with successful projects like “Azul Magia” and “Rafaela.” “The Day of the Storm” has already garnered recognition, winning Best Feature at the Dominican Film Festival in New York. The company’s recent project, “La Bachata del Bionico,” by Yoel Morales, has also received acclaim, winning the Global Audience Award at SXSW.

Upcoming projects from Mentes Fritas include Viola’s docufiction film “Fragrancia Tropical” and Patricia Pepen’s debut feature “El Amor en los tiempos de Bacaneria,” participating in Malaga’s WIP section and Warmi lab, respectively. Additionally, the Dominican Republic is the guest of honor at this year’s Malaga Film Festival.

Caribbean Films Distribution, a subsidiary of Caribbean Cinemas, will release “The Day of the Storm” in the Dominican Republic on July 17. The 28th Malaga Film Festival, which commenced on March 14, will conclude on March 23, showcasing a diverse array of international cinema.