Espinal film premieres in Dominican Republic

The film ‘Espinal’ has arrived in Dominican Republic cinemas following its release in Puerto Rico. The movie premiered on Tuesday, October 13, at Caribbean Cinemas in Downtown Center, Santo Domingo, in an event celebrating culture and the ties between the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico.

Directed by Colombian filmmaker Jaime Segura and produced by Karina Fernández of B-Star Model & Talent, the film tells the life story of Jaime Yusept Espinal Fajardo. Born in the Dominican Republic, Espinal achieved international recognition by winning a silver medal in wrestling for Puerto Rico at the 2012 London Olympics.

The production explores Espinal’s journey through poverty, violence, and racism, highlighting how sports discipline helped him overcome adversity. After its commercial release in Puerto Rico on February 19, the film received the Audience Award at the Puerto Rico Film Festival 2025.