Dominican Barbie


Film Treatment Title: Barbie & Ken's Dominican Rhythm

Byline and Brief Bio for Writer: Maria Rodriguez is a Dominican-American screenwriter with a penchant for integrating her cultural roots into the characters and stories she crafts. A rising talent in Hollywood, she aims to bring the richness of Dominican culture to mainstream cinema.

Film Logline: Barbie and Ken, feeling disconnected from their roots, embark on a soulful journey to the Dominican Republic. They discover more than just their heritage—amidst the infectious rhythms of Merengue and Bachata, they find a community problem only they can solve.

Summary:

In a colorful and sunlit opening scene, Barbie and Ken are seen shopping for ethnic art in their hometown, but something feels amiss. They can't quite put a finger on it until they come across a painting that depicts a vibrant Dominican street festival. This painting prompts a sense of longing and a desire to reconnect with their Dominican heritage.

Arriving in Santo Domingo, they are immediately enchanted by the sounds of Merengue, the smells of local cuisine, and the lively community that seems to dance on the streets. But as they delve deeper, they notice something troubling: a once-famed local music venue is on the brink of closure, threatened by a chain of luxury hotels aiming to gentrify the area.

Act I: (100 words)

Barbie and Ken initially arrive for leisure, immersing themselves in Dominican culture, learning basic Spanish phrases, and even taking Bachata lessons. However, when they visit "El Ritmo," the endangered music venue, they meet Carlos and Rosa, a couple struggling to keep the venue alive. They share the venue's historical significance as a cultural hub for both the community and visiting musicians.

Act II: (100 words)

Deciding to help, Barbie and Ken put on their problem-solving hats. Ken uses his business acumen to find potential investors, while Barbie, inspired by Rosa's passion, decides to plan a grand fundraising event. Together, they use social media to generate interest, capitalizing on Barbie's fashion influence to create "El Ritmo" inspired clothing, while also drawing on Ken's network to invite prominent Dominican artists for the event.

Act III: (100 words)

The day of the event arrives. Amidst a swirl of vibrant colors and Dominican music, the fundraiser is a massive success. Not only do they raise enough money to save "El Ritmo," but the event also serves as a celebration of Dominican culture, reinvigorating the community's sense of pride and unity. Barbie and Ken not only reconnect with their roots but help preserve a cornerstone of their heritage.

Ethnic Film Experts' Opinion:

Critics and experts lauded Maria Rodriguez for her in-depth knowledge of cultural references, particularly in how she captured the intricacies of Dominican life and issues surrounding gentrification, giving a voice to an often-underrepresented community.

What's Funny:

The humor comes from Barbie and Ken navigating cultural nuances, from comically mispronouncing Spanish words to hilariously attempting the fast steps of Merengue. It's a lighthearted take on what it means to be a cultural explorer, all while maintaining the essence of the Barbie spirit.

Links:

The script addresses the issue of cultural disconnection, making a statement about the importance of roots and community, as well as the erasure of culture through gentrification. Through comedy and adventure, Barbie and Ken's journey resonates as not just a personal quest but also as a universal story of heritage and belonging.