Grateful is the best word to describe the cast and crew of Touched last night when their film inaugurated the III Dominican Republic Global Film Festival at the National Theater in Santo Domingo. The full house gave a warm welcome to the film’s sizeable cast and crew, headed by the young actor, Shalim Ortiz, who is one of the protagonists in the film as well as the producer.

Based on a true story, the film resonated with many in the audience. This was evidenced by the commentaries heard throughout the screening when, at various moments, the theater was filled with applause and laughter.

Shalim Ortiz as well as the rest of the cast and crew shared the evening with Dominican President Leonel Fernández and the First Lady, and renowned actor Omar Sharif, the Festival’s Guest of Honor. The Egyptian-born Sharif was on stage at the beginning of the evening and spoke briefly to the audience in Spanish during which time he received several standing ovations. During the description of his extensive and impressive acting career, the narration was interrupted on various occasions by applause.