About us.

Areíto Films is a documentary production company dedicated to telling stories rooted in culture, history, and truth. Inspired by the Taino ceremonial tradition of the areíto—a ritual of storytelling through song, dance, and rhythm—we carry forward the ancestral practice of preserving memory and identity through narrative. Founded by Dominican filmmaker and cinematographer Frank Vasquez, Areíto Films specializes in uncovering untold histories, amplifying Afro-Caribbean and Indigenous voices, and reimagining the past through a modern lens. Our projects blend rigorous research with cinematic beauty, weaving together interviews, archival material, and poetic recreations to create powerful, immersive documentaries. We believe storytelling is a sacred act. Through film, we honor our roots, confront hidden truths, and illuminate the legacy of those who came before us.

Current Project:
Tierra y Libertad: Dominican History in America

From the arrival of the first enslaved Africans in 1502 to the modern Dominican experience in the U.S., Tierra y Libertad traces a journey of identity, resistance, and survival. This feature documentary weaves together music, memory, and migration to tell the untold story of Afro-Dominican roots and the enduring fight for cultural and historical recognition. A powerful exploration of where we come from—and where we are going.

Upcoming Productions

A vibrant slate of stories exploring identity, resistance, and rhythm across the Caribbean and its diaspora.

Carnaval

Step behind the mask. From the cobblestone streets of Cádiz to the heart-thumping parades of the Caribbean, Carnaval is more than spectacle—it's resistance, identity, and ancestral memory in motion. This multi-part docu-series explores the spiritual roots, political undertones, and cultural power of Carnaval across continents. A celebration of sound, color, and survival.

Caribe: Salt, Fire & Rhythm

A journey through the soul of the Caribbean. Caribe explores how the African diaspora shaped the region’s music, food, and language—from the smoky kitchens of Santiago to the dancehalls of Kingston. Each episode uncovers how salt-seasoned stories, fire-forged traditions, and pulsing rhythms became tools of resistance, identity, and joy. A visceral docu-series from Areito Films—where flavor meets freedom.

Arawak

Long before colonizers drew lines across the Caribbean, the Arawak people lived in harmony with the land, sea, and spirit. Arawak is a journey into the heart of an Indigenous legacy—exploring the origins, culture, and resilience of the first voices of the Antilles. This docu-series seeks to reclaim the stories buried beneath centuries of silence. Ni taino- I'm noble!

Contact Us

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