Distribution company Breaking Glass Pictures acquired and has now released in North America the Dominican/Mexican/Argentinian co-produced drama, "Dolares de Arena" (“Sand Dollars"), a Dominican Republic-set tale that follows the long-time relationship between a beautiful and impoverished young local girl and her wealthy European lover, which is put to the test as issues of class, inequality and exploitation are introduced.

The film was also the DR’s submission for Best Foreign Language Film Oscar consideration this year (although it didn’t make the final cut of nominees).

The country has submitted a total of 8 films for Oscar consideration in the Foreign Language Film category, since the first one in 1983, although none of the 8 has gone on to be shortlisted and nominated. In fact, the DR has submitted a film every year over the last 5 (2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, and now 2015), but no nominations.

Directed and produced by Dominican couple Laura Amelia Guzman and Israel Cardenas, the film is based on the novel “Les Dollars des Sables” by Jean-Noel Pancrazi, and stars Geraldine Chaplin and Yanet Mojica as the older European woman and the young Dominican girl respectively.

Ricardo Ariel Toribio rounds out the starring cast.

DR’s Aurora Dominicana, Mexico’s Canana Films and Argentina’s Rei Cine co-produced the drama which made its world premiere at TIFF (2014).

"The film is a gorgeous meditation on old age, loneliness and love, anchored by a luminous performance by the exquisite Geraldine Chaplin," said distributor Breaking Glass co-president Richard Ross, adding, "We’ve been pursuing the film since TIFF and Ventana Sur and are overjoyed to bring its beauty to North American audiences."

After a very limited theatrical run in the USA that kicked off  last November, the film has now been released on Netflix where you can currently stream it; something to add to your watch-lists.

Trailer below for a glimpse at what to expect: