The 2013 International Film Festival in Panama comes to an end
Yesterday (Wednesday, April 17, 2013) brought an end to Panama’s International Film Festival (IFF). Closing ceremonies took place in Casco Viejo, celebrating films from all over the world. This year three Panamanian films had screenings at the festival. Paraiso for Sale, directed by Anayansi Prado. Reinas, directed by Ana Endara Mislov. And Maids and Bosses directed by Abner Benaim. All three films were documentaries, each discussing an aspect Panamanian life. The films gave viewers an inside look to the cultural traditions, values, political systems and beliefs held surrounding specific practices in Panama. In Paraiso For Sale we were taken to the islands of Bocas Del Toro, to discuss the complications that surround land titles. We were given the chance to see the situation through the eyes of locals, expats as well as the investors interested in buying land. The film was eye opening. It spoke to political struggles, indigenous rights and the future of tourism in Panama. It presented an argument for a land crisis in Panama, one that would endanger the environment, local traditions and the people of Panama.
Reinas, a film about the traditions of queens in Panama, gained funding from kickstarter in 2008. Film production took place through September 2011 through to February 2012. The film speaks about the phenomenon of queens in Panama. The role of a queen in Panama goes beyond physical beauty, says director Ana Endara Mislov. La Prensa spoke with Ana Endara Mislov about what it means to be a queen in Panama: “The phenomenon is so immersed in our daily lives" says Ann. She goes on to explain it's roots in Panamanian folklore. Due to the presence of queens throughout the history of Panama, the tradition is often unquestioned. Reinas takes us though Panama introducing us to queens from La Chorrera to Las Tablas.
Maides and Bosses (Empleadas y Patrones) speaks to the tradition of maids in Latin American culture. The documentary by Abner Benaim explores and critiques the world of the “the help” in Panama, and throughout Latin America. The film uses interviews and reenactments to tell the story of this deeply rooted tradition, and sometimes unfair business, in Latin countries.
On Sunday April 14th,directors Anayansi Prado, Ana Endara Mislov and Abner Benaim spoke at the IFF film panel: Let's Talk about Central American Film. The directors discussed the future of the firm industry in Central America with screenwriters, producers and academics.
After attending the festival the future of the IFF and film appreciation in Panama seems promising.The festival held in Panama City (Casco Veijo & Multi Plaza) was well thought-out. Films ran on time, drew in large crowds and were offered to the public at a low cost ($6.00 per viewing). Several films offered free screenings and rush lines. Volunteers were in abundance facilitating red carpets, panels and screenings.
