José Maria Cabral

José Maria Cabral (Santo Domingo, July 24, 1988) is a prominent Dominican film director and screenwriter, from the Dominican Republic. With a passion for storytelling and a keen eye for social issues, Cabral has become a leading figure in the country’s film industry. He is known for his diverse filmography, spanning various genres and themes.

Cabral started making films when he was 16 years old, making private screenings of short films to family and friends in local movie theaters, one of them “Excexos” got national distribution in 2008. Cabral began with short films that showcased his unique perspective and creative vision. Over the years, he has directed and produced a series of impactful films, including “El Proyeccionsita,” “Hotel Coppelia,” and “Carpinteros,” earning critical acclaim and international recognition. He is recognized as the first Dominican filmmaker to be selected by the Sundance Film Festival with his movie ¨Woodpeckers¨/Carpinteros. His work often addresses relevant societal topics, shedding light on the intricacies of Dominican culture and identity.

Beyond his contributions to cinema, Jose Maria Cabral is also recognized for his notable social work. He has used his platform to raise awareness about social issues affecting his country and has actively participated in initiatives aimed at promoting positive change. His commitment to using his filmmaking skills to amplify important voices and spark meaningful discussions exemplifies his dedication to both art and social responsibility.

Selected filmography:

2024 Tiger post-production
2023 Tumba y quema
2022 Parsley
2021 Hotel Coppelia
2019 El Proyeccionista
2017 Carpinteros
2015 Detective Willy
2014 Despertar
2013 Arroba
2011 Jaque Mate
2008 Excess

Filmography in our catalog