Tiger

(Tiguere)

José María Cabral / Dominican Republic / 2024 / 84 min
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  • Biarritz Festival Latin America

  • São Paulo Int'l Film Festival

  • New York Latino Film Festival

  • Cairo Int'l Film Festival

  • Rabat Int'l Author Film Festival

  • Punta del Este Int'l Film Festival

  • FECIR - Rengo Int'l Film Festival (Chile)

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Spanish with English subtitles

With Carlos Fernández, Manny Perez, Camila Santana

Why will your students love Tiger? This Latin American “Fight Club,” inspired by true events, tackles the timely and relevant themes of masculinity and boys’ education. Tiger is one of the most highly anticipated films from this acclaimed director of the Dominican New Wave. It is a perfect starter for a heated conversation following its screening!

Tiger is a raw, electrifying exploration of identity, tradition, and what it truly means to be a man. A group of male teenagers is sent to a Tigueraje boot camp to become tough, fearless, and dominant – this is what their parents expect them to become, Dominican “Tigers”. The camp’s head coach, Alberto, decides it is time for his son Pablo to join the group. What Alberto doesn’t know is that Pablo is already carving out his own version of a tiger—one that challenges everything his father stands for.

As their clashing ideas of masculinity collide, Pablo is thrust into a journey of self-discovery; one that will force him to question not just his father’s expectations, but his own. Amidst the struggle, it shines a light on hope and the possibility of redemption, for the adults too.

Press

“A Latin Fight Club about macho law. Hernan Herrera’s cinematography meticulously explores that wild world where training unfolds as if in a hostile environment. The camera operates from claustrophobic angles that make forests and rivers feel like trenches. One future "tiguere" in particular, Pablo, will question the master’s teachings and trigger a subtle process of resistance, aiming to expose his instructor’s hidden fragility.” – Rodrigo Fonseca, c7nema

“Casts a harsh light on the machismo culture of the Caribbean nation and by extension, Latin America.” – Anna Marie de la Fuente, Variety

About the Director
José María Cabral is a prominent 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.

José María Cabral - Tiger

Available for Q&As, Masterclasses, and workshops upon request, in English or Spanish.
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Cabral started making films when he was 16, showing 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, Cabral directed and produced a series of impactful films, earning critical acclaim and international recognition. Titles include El Proyeccionsita, Hotel Coppelia, and Woodpeckers (Carpinteros). He is the first Dominican filmmaker to have a film at the Sundance Film Festival. His work often addresses relevant societal topics, shedding light on the intricacies of Dominican culture and identity.

Drawing from his personal experience at a similar boot camp, Cabral premiered the semi-autobiographical drama Tiger in 2024. The film casts a harsh light on the machismo culture of the Caribbean nation and, by extension, Latin America.

Beyond his contributions to cinema, José María Cabral is active in social work. He uses 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 art and social responsibility.

Notes on Film

“Toward the end of the ’90s, my parents sent me to a camp called La Clase de Tigueraje. I was a very introverted child—bad at sports, shy, insecure, and sensitive—all of which were red flags in Dominican society.

Tigueraje is a concept in my country used to describe individuals who are street-smart and opportunistic but also heavily tied to macho traits. The purpose of La Clase de Tigueraje was to mold teenagers into strong, homophobic, aggressive men, stripped of emotions and embodying the patterns of toxic masculinity that today’s generations are beginning to question.

I hope this film encourages reflection on these issues. Change doesn’t happen overnight, but revisiting that traumatic past felt essential. This process of understanding will take time to mature, but at least now, the wound is visible.”

– José Maria Cabral, Director

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