Tribeca Winner ‘Runa Simi’ Opens IFF Panama Which Launches Doc Sidebar

The Panama International Film Festival (IFF Panama) is undergoing some exciting changes for its upcoming edition running from April 9-12. One of the notable changes is the introduction of an international competition for non-fiction features, highlighting the wealth of documentary filmmaking from the region and beyond. This expansion of the program aims to bring a diverse range of international voices to the festival.

Now in its 14th year, the festival kicks off with the documentary “Runa Simi” by Augusto Zegarra from Peru. The film follows Fernando Valencia, a radio host from Cusco, who undertakes the task of dubbing “The Lion King” into Quechua with his son Dylan, turning it into an act of linguistic preservation and a touching bond between father and son. The festival will open at the iconic National Theatre with Valencia and his son in attendance.

Reflecting on the festival’s growth over the past 14 years, Pituka Ortega-Heilbron, president of the IFF Panama Foundation’s board of directors, expressed gratitude for the support from local and international filmmakers, making the festival an essential event in the industry. This year, the festival will showcase around 40 films from Latin America, Europe, Asia, and Africa at various venues including the City of Arts complex and the National Theatre.

A highlight of this year’s program is the inclusion of a record number of seven Panamanian films in competition, showcasing the growth of filmmaking in the country. Among the international premieres are “Saloma” from Miguel González, a tribute to Panamanian countryside and family memory, and “Sana y Salva” by Arí Maniel Cruz, a dramedy following a pregnant Dominican immigrant in Puerto Rico. Additionally, the festival will feature the Central American premiere of Cannes Un Certain Regard winner “The Mysterious Gaze of the Flamingo” from Chile.

The festival’s Industry sessions on April 9 will feature panels, talks, and a masterclass by Manuel Abramovich from Argentina. Industry Day will kick off with discussions on the State’s role in supporting Panama’s audiovisual ecosystem, including incentives, funding, training, and distribution. Angélica Cervantes from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences will provide insights on how the Academy operates and the process of submitting a film for the Oscars.

Panama joins other countries in the region in pushing for legal frameworks to support their audiovisual industries. The festival aims to nurture new projects and filmmakers, contributing to the cultural development of the country. With a lineup of diverse films, industry discussions, and engaging panels, the Panama International Film Festival promises to be a dynamic and enriching event for filmmakers and audiences alike.