IFF Panama Opens with Panama’s ‘Beloved Tropic’

The Panama International Film Festival (IFF Panama) kicked off with a brief opening ceremony on April 4, where the return of documentary filmmaker Ana Endara was celebrated as she presented her fiction feature debut “Beloved Tropic” (“Querido trópico”). Endara expressed her joy at bringing the film back to Panama, emphasizing the importance of home and collaboration in the filmmaking process.

Accompanied by her lead actresses Paulina García and Jenny Navarrete, as well as the supporting cast, Endara shared her gratitude for the team that helped bring “Beloved Tropic” to life. Festival director Karla Quintero highlighted the increase in accreditation numbers, indicating a positive return to pre-pandemic levels and the meticulous planning that went into organizing the festival activities.

Prior to the festival opening, an “industry day” was held on April 3, featuring master classes, talks, and panels, as well as a six-day workshop for directors led by Erick Gonzalez. The workshop included participants such as Enrique Castro and Kattia Gonzalez, showcasing a new generation of filmmakers with unique voices and more personal works.

In a first for IFF Panama, a six-day producers workshop was also introduced, with Colombian producer Diana Bustamante mentoring the participants. This initiative aims to support and nurture emerging producers in the industry, providing them with valuable insights and guidance.

Overall, the festival promises a diverse and engaging program, with a focus on showcasing innovative and thought-provoking films from both established and emerging talents. The dedication and passion of the team behind IFF Panama are evident in the careful curation of the festival activities, ensuring a memorable and impactful experience for all attendees.