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Led by Ana Endara’s widely acclaimed feature debut “Beloved Tropic,” this year’s standouts vying for the Panama Film Festival’s (IFF Panama) Audience Award includes such gems as Guatemalan Jayro Bustamante’s latest opus, “Rita,” Mexico’s Sundance winner, “Sujo,” Berlinale Best Director winner Nelson Carlo de los Santos’ “Pepe,” a smattering of documentaries and more animated features such as “Olivia and the Clouds,” sign of a burgeoning interest in Central America for the genre. IFF Panama runs April 3 – 6.
“Beloved Tropic” (“Querido tropico”) Ana Endara, Panama, Colombia
The opening night film. Winner of the festival’s Su Mirada post-production award last year. Director Ana Endara’s fiction feature debut is set in Panama City where it follows Ana María, a Colombian caregiver hiding a secret, and Mercedes, a high-society woman (played by Paulina García) facing early dementia. As their lives intertwine, they form an unexpected bond, navigating caregiving challenges and a profound need for connection while confronting their personal struggles.
“Wild Gleaming Space” (“Luminoso espacio salvaje”), Mauro Colombo, Panama, Spain
Documentary. Premiered at Hot Docs 2024. After his father’s passing, Italian filmmaker Mauro Colombo finds an unresponsive man on a jungle road. He tries to revive him—the man briefly regains consciousness before dying again. This haunting encounter propels Mauro on an introspective journey, exploring his connection with death. Executive produced by Panama’s Abner Benaim.
“El Brujo: Julio Zachrisson,” Félix ‘Trillo’ Guardia, Panama
A filmmaker, drawn to an enigmatic painting in his grandmother’s home, travels to Madrid to meet its creator, legendary Latin American artist Julio Zachrisson. Their encounter sparks a deep friendship that transforms their lives. Through rare interviews, archival footage and playful animation, this documentary explores memory, history, identity and art as a bridge between generations.
“Sugar Island,” Johanné Gómez, Dominican Republic, Spain
Docu-fiction hybrid. The feature debut of Gómez revolves around Makenya, a Dominican-Haitian teen from the batey, a shantytown for sugarcane workers, whose unplanned pregnancy propels her into adulthood. Along her journey, a serpent appears—the embodiment of Los Misterios, guiding her toward self-discovery and the realm of the impossible. Winner of various awards from Venice, Malaga festivals.
“Pepe,” Nelson Carlo de los Santos, Dominican Republic, France, Namibia, Germany
A voice untethered by time tells a story, claiming to be the hippo killed in Colombia. Like the lands and people before it, it reflects on those who died without ever knowing where they truly belonged. Winner of Berlinale’s Silver Bear for Best Director, the first such honor for a Latin American director.
“Delirio, “Alexandra Latishev Salazar, Costa Rica, Chile
A reflection on gender violence, thriller centers on Masha and her mother, Elisa, who return to their family home to look after Masha’s demented grandmother. In this timeless place, their lives begin to merge, stirring a dark presence. Isolated, each woman tries to escape in her own way. Premiered at the Guadalajara Film Festival. Patra Spanou handles international sales.
“Rita,” Jayro Bustamante, Guatemala, U.S.
Thirteen-year-old Rita escapes from abuse at home, seeking a magical place where her dreams can come true. She finds temporary refuge with a kind diner owner before being sent to a state-run institution filled with extraordinary creatures and superpowered girls. These girls plan to defeat the witches and demons in control, and hope that Rita will lead them to success. Guatemala’s entry for the International Feature Oscar, Bustamante’s third time to rep his country.
“Once Upon a Time in the Caribbean” (“Erase una vez en el Caribe”), Ray Figueroa, Puerto Rico
Touted as a Caribbean Samurai Western, pic is set in 1930s Puerto Rico, amid poverty and inequality, where Americans hold all the power. Jr. Walker wants Pura for his wife and sends men to kidnap her, unaware she’s already married to Juan Encarnación, a feared former overseer, with a daughter, Patria. Encarnación, with Patria by his side, faces Walker’s forces, including old enemies from a past strike. In the end, they fight to defend their family and homeland from colonizers. Has participated in Berlinale Talents, Cinergia Cine Lab, Cartagena Meetings, Kyoto Filmmakers Lab in its development journey.
Once Upon a Time in the Caribbean
Courtesy of IFF Panama
“They Will Be Dust” (“Polvo serán”), Carlos Marques-Marcet, Spain, Italy, Switzerland
Tragicomedy dance musical, the latest from Goya best new director awardee Marqués-Marcet for “10,000 Km.” After being diagnosed with a terminal illness, Claudia decides to make her final journey to Switzerland. Flavio, who hasn’t left her side in over 40 years, decides to accompany her on this one-way trip. Winner of the 2024 Platform Award at Toronto Film Festival where it world premiered.
“Black Butterflies” (“Mariposas negras”), David Baute, Spain
Animated docu-feature, winner of the Best Animation Goya award. Climate change alters the lives of Tanit, Valeria and Shaila – three women from distinct corners of the world, yet united by one fate: they each lose everything to global warming and are forced to migrate to survive. World premiered at the Annecy Animation Film Fest. With an original song by Rubén Blades.
Black Butterflies
Courtesy of IFF Panama
“Samana Sunrise” (“Amanece en Samaná”), Rafa Cortés, Spain, Dominican Republic
Rom-com starring box office draw, Luis Tosar (“Cell 211”). Shot in the Dominican Republic. Two couples embark on a Caribbean vacation to celebrate their shared 20-year anniversaries. As they reconnect over a few too many drinks, long-buried secrets emerge, revealing that their relationships almost took a very different turn the night they first met. FilmSharks handles international sales.
“Kill the Jockey” (“El Jockey”), Luis Ortega, Argentina, U.K., Mexico, Spain
Remo Manfredini, a legendary jockey, struggles with self-destructive behavior that threatens his career and relationship with Abril. On the day of a crucial race that could clear his debts with mafia boss Sirena, he suffers an accident, disappears, and wanders the streets of Buenos Aires. Losing his identity, he begins to rediscover himself, while Sirena looks for him. Premiered at the Venice Film Fest where it took home the Edipo Re Award and at San Sebastian, where it won the Horizontes Latinos Award.
Kill The Jockey
Courtesy of IFF Panama
“Reas,” Lola Arias, Argentina, Switzerland, Germany
Yoseli, who has a tattoo of the Eiffel Tower on her back, always dreamed of traveling but was arrested at the airport for drug trafficking. Nacho, a transgender man, was caught for fraud and started a rock band while in prison. Whether they’re soft or tough, blonde or shaved, cis or trans, long-term inmates or newcomers, in this hybrid musical, they all bring their stories to life inside a Buenos Aires prison. World premiered at Berlinale. Luxbox handles international sales.
“Olivia & the Clouds,” Tomás Pichardo Espaillat, Dominican Republic
Olivia, haunted by a past love, exchanges flowers with a ghost for soothing rainclouds. Bárbara, rejected by Mauricio, retreats into fantastical stories to escape reality. Mauricio, consumed by regret, is swallowed by the earth. Ramón, who loves Olivia, watches as a peculiar plant grows, mirroring her. With surreal elements, experimental animated feature explores the enduring power of love’s memory. World premiered at the 77th Locarno Film Fest, it has picked up top awards at Havana, Malaga and San Diego festivals.
Olivia & the Clouds
Courtesy of IFF Panama
“All We Imagine as Light,” Payal Kapadia, France, India, U.S., Belgium
In Mumbai, nurse Prabha’s routine is disrupted when she receives an unexpected gift from her distant husband. Her young roommate, Anu, struggles to find a private place in the city to be with her boyfriend. A trip to a coastal town gives them both the opportunity to find a space where their desires can unfold. World premiered at Cannes where it won the Grand Prix after which it has scooped a host of awards worldwide.
“Through Rocks and Clouds” (“Raiz”), Franco García Becerra, Peru, Chile
Feliciano, an eight-year-old alpaca herder, is elated as Peru has a chance to qualify for the World Cup. Amidst his excitement, the film reveals the challenges facing his community, which is at risk of disappearing due to polluted pastures and the encroachment of a mining company– threatening both their way of life and Feliciano’s dreams. The film won a Special Mention, at the Berlinale’s Generation Kplus International.
“Hola Frida!” André Kadi, Karine Vézina, Canada, France
Animated biopic. Frida Kahlo is a young girl who stands out with her unique spirit. Full of energy and curiosity, she finds fascination in everything around her. When life’s challenges arise, she meets them with a boundless imagination and resilience.
“Dead Talents Society,” John Hsu, Taiwan, U.S.
A comedy horror thriller, the story follows a group of ghosts determined to become the spookiest urban legends and the most famous stars in the underworld. They aim to achieve this through their scare tactics and eerie performances among the living. With only a short time left, rookie ghost Novata must find a way to gain fame by scaring the living. If you can frighten, you’ll be remembered. Distributed by Sony Pictures Releasing.
Dead Talents Society
Courtesy of IFF Panama
“Mexico 86,” César Diaz, Belgium, France, Mexico
Starring Bérénice Béjo (“The Artist”). Guatemalan-born director Diaz’s debut feature “Our Mothers” won the Camara d’Or in Cannes 2019. In 1976 Guatemala, the state’s repression threatens the life of María, a Guatemalan activist fighting against the military dictatorship. She is forced into exile in Mexico City, leaving behind her newborn son. 10 years later, when her son comes to live with her, she is faced with a difficult choice between her duties as a mother and continuing her revolutionary activism. Bac Films manages international sales.
Mexico 86
Courtesy of IFF Panama
“Sujo,” Astrid Rondero, Fernanda Valadez, Mexico, U.S., France
Winner of the World Cinema Dramatic Grand Jury Prize at Sundance before scooping a raft of awards worldwide. When a hitman is killed, he leaves behind Sujo, his beloved 4-year-old son. The shadow of violence looms over Sujo at every stage of his life. As he grows into a man, Sujo will discover that he cannot escape his father’s fate, despite his aunt’s brave efforts.
Sujo
Courtesy of IFF Panama
