Ralva Álvarez
Directing
Biography
Ralva Álvarez is a Dominican filmmaker, producer, and director dedicated to preserving and celebrating her country’s rich cultural heritage through cinema. Her short film “Sacred Friday” was a finalist in the Keep Walking Films screenplay competition, while “The Celebration of the Tragic Silence of the Youngest One” won first place at the Minuto Maltratada Festival. Additionally, her film “Velvet Ghetto” was an official selection at the Trinidad and Tobago Film Festival. Ralva works closely with her partner, Santiago García, co-directing projects such as “Letters”. Her work stands out for telling authentic stories that connect the intimate with the collective, establishing her as a promising voice in contemporary Dominican cinema.
Known For
In the heart of a Dominican family’s home, the youngest daughter’s thirteenth birthday is being celebrated. Balloons, cake, and music cannot hide the tension that lingers in the air. Amid the party, between music and applause, Minerva receives a special gift from her father. What seems like an innocent gesture turns into a silent revelation of the fear that has long resided in her heart. Through glances, restrained gestures, and meaningful details, the short film portrays domestic violence from a child’s perspective, where joy and horror coexist in the same space.
The Celebration of the Tragic Silence of the Youngest One
After several attempts to conceive a child, Ada finds solace in writing letters to her unborn child. Months later, Ada discovers that she is pregnant. Ada is about to give birth and Gabriel takes her to the hospital. However, he returns alone. He only has letters from his deceased wife
Cartas
A stranger kidnaps a pair of brothers and does everything he can to take the older brother's place.
Mérito
On the verge of losing the possible love of his life, Ender, pushed by his best friend Víctor, embarks on a journey to another city to confess his love to a girl, before her trip to another country leaves her only in his dreams.
Camina, ven
During an argument with her parents, Sara decides to show them a documentary about the only woman in a movie set in the country. What they don't realize is that this was done by Sara and her classmates, and the opportunities it will bring to her career as a filmmaker.