Canadian Press
 
SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic (AP) - The Cuban flag was hung from a balcony of the Dominican National Palace for the benefit of actor Andy Garcia.

The building was being used Saturday in the filming of The Lost City, which the Cuban-born Garcia is both acting in and directing. Explosions were detonated inside the palace to recreate a failed assault on Cuba's presidential palace during the revolution that eventually led to Fidel Castro's triumph in 1959.

The 48-year-old Garcia, whose family left the island nation when he was five, has been a staunch critic of Castro.

The Dominican government has allowed the filmmakers to use its facilities in an effort to boost the country's film industry. Filmmakers were paying about $2,300 US ($3,000 Cdn) in fees for the use of streets and monuments, officials said.

Garcia said the film focuses on the transition in Cuba from then-president Fulgencio Batista's rule to Castro's takeover. Garcia's character, a cabaret owner, eventually leaves the country to go into exile in New York.

Garcia's other acting credits include Ocean's Eleven, The Untouchables and The Godfather: Part III.

© The Canadian Press 2004