Equal parts tender love story and gritty realist drama, with hints of the surreal, Woodpeckers is the unforgettable breakout film from one of the Dominican Republic’s most exciting young filmmakers.

Sent to Santo Domingo’s notorious Najayo prison for theft, wily and intelligent Julian quickly acclimates to his brutal new surroundings, using the prison’s hidden economies to his advantage while desperately trying to hold on to his humanity. When psychotic Manaury is sent to solitary, he enlists Julian to take over “woodpecking” (an intricate sign language used to communicate with nearby female inmates) with his girlfriend, the beautiful, tough as nails Yanelly. As Julian and Yanelly’s communication grows into something deeper, Manaury’s suspicions drive him over the edge, propelling the trio into an unexpected life or death confrontation.

This stunning new film, the fifth feature from writer/director Jose Maria Cabral, heralds a major new voice in a burgeoning Dominican film industry.

Winner: Special Jury Award, Guadalajara

In competition for the FIPRESCI Prize and the Cine Latino Award.