Dominican Republic10 Essential Films from Dominican RepublicStop 10 of 10

Woodpeckers

Carpinteros

2017

Inside a crowded Dominican prison, a new inmate falls for a woman held in the adjacent women's wing, and the two carry on a secret romance through the sign language prisoners use to communicate across the yard. A gritty, sensual love story.

Why it’s here

Julián finds love and a reason for living in the last place imaginable: the Dominican Republic's Najayo Prison. His romance, with fellow prisoner Yanelly, must develop through sign language and without the knowledge of dozens of guards.