The event celebrates the richness and cultural diversity of Panama through the art of film. During the festival, the audience will discover Panamanian cinematography, its unique stories and talented creators. All the films selected for this festival have previously been screened at international festivals and even won awards in Panama and other countries.

Each of the selected feature films shows beautiful and representative Panamanian landscapes from the provinces of Panama and Los Santos. In addition, some films depict the most representative cultural traditions, social issues and realities that some Panamanians face in their daily lives, as well as part of the history of a country full of contrasts and bio and cultural diversity. At the same time they are joyous and colourful, characteristic traits of the Panamanians.

SCHEDULE DAY 1
6.00 pm
Opening of the Festival – the Ambassador of the Republic of Panama Javier Bongas and Secretary Alis Cabrera. The opening will be accompanied by a competition with typically Panamanian prizes.

6:30 p.m
Donaire y Esplendor
Carnival is one of the most important holidays in Panamanian culture. In the city of Las Tablas, there are two streets that constantly compete with each other: Calle Arriba and Calle Abajo. A young couple, after an unexpected meeting, fall in love with each other
without memory. Donaire y Esplendor is a comedy that follows the classic story of lovers who belong to antagonistic worlds and decide to live a romance that intersects with the aspirations of their traditional families that have been rivals for decades.

Dir. Arturo Montenegro
cast: Lupita Ferrer, Lorna Cepeda, Gaby Garrido, Patrick Vollert, Gaby Gnazzo
running time: 96 min
2017

8.00 pm
Competition results and Panamanian refreshments

8:30 p.m
Salsipuedes
Salsipuedes is a film with a retrospective narrative structure that tells two parallel stories. In the present, Andrés returns to Panama after spending his childhood in Washington, D.C., trying to adjust to his old life and coping with his grandfather's absence, lack of connection with his imprisoned father, and his search for justice. In the past, we see Andrés as a child in a barrio before being sent to the United States to keep him away from bad influences.

dir. Ricardo Aguilar, Manuel Rodriguez
cast: Elmis Castillo, Maritza Vernaza, Jaime Newball
running time: 97 minutes
2016