If there is an art that reaches the heart and mind collectively in an impressive way, it is cinema. A medium that by itself unites millions of people, and our country in recent years has become the “hub” of the best cinema in the region and the world. The Panama International Film Festival (IFF Panama) has been a vital component of the cultural panorama of our country for 10 years, bringing Visitors from all over the continent and projecting our country brand faster than any other event today. This year the Festival will be held from March 26 to April 1, 2020 and comes with a new and genuine film offer from America, Europe, the Middle East and Asia.
As every year, the festival attracts the specialized international press from across the continent and the talent of the highest level of the film industry: directors, producers, executives, technicians and actors. All involved either attending the premiere of their movies during the Festival or giving workshops aimed at industry professionals in Panama and the region.
Festival Venues
Each of these venues brings a different cinematic experience to spectators, hand in hand with the best selection of films from around the world.
Mirador del Pacífico (Coastal belt II): is the most popular festival venue that attracts thousands of people every year looking for a different family experience. Here the films are selected for audiences of all ages. Admission is free and the experience of watching a movie outdoor and by the sea is unique.
Cinepolis, Multiplaza: this complex shows the largest number of films and is where most people attends to see the huge selection of films. Many of the screenings will have Q&A with director, producer and actors involved in the film.
Ricardo J. Alfaro Room (MIRE – Old Town, next to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs): a historic building that has recently been renovated with several rooms that recall the trajectory of personalities in the Panamanian political sphere. A luxurious headquarters overlooking the Bay of Panama.
International Workshops
This year the festival has invites two great professionals that have work internationally who will nurture the knowledge of hundreds of attendees from across the continent. The first guest is Gabriela Fernández, the multi-awarded professional from Mexico will dictate a theoretical-practical workshop on costume in cinema . She has worked on films such as Cantinflas and La Pastorela (both praised internationally). The second international guest is Jennifer Fees, who will tal about “The Power of Alliances: Creation of Firm Bases”. A vital talk for everyone who wants to find the international financing required to produce a movie. A workshop that has been carried out throughout Europe and the United States with great success.
This festival will have more than 140 screenings and will generate 2.8 million dollars in revenue to Panama City, and it is expected that more than 30,000 people will attend to watch the films. It also generates a great boost in domestic tourism as it attracts thousands of people from all over the country wanting to see high quality film productions that will not reach regular movie theaters. To be in Panama during the festival is to have the best of world cinema in one place. For more information www.iffpanama.org.
