Indigenous Documentary ‘Bila Burba’ Triumphs at the 12th Panama International Film Festival
variety.comAnna Marie de la Fuente With John Travolta, Gregory Nava and a host of other luminaries lighting it up, the 12thPanama International Film Festival wrapped Sunday on a high note, with general attendance exceeding expectations.
Speaking at the closing ceremony held at the Canal Museum, Pituka Ortega-Heilbron, IFF Panama Board President, hailed this latest edition as a vibrant rebirth for the festival. “We were hit by the phenomenon of the pandemic, and we certainly don’t want to complain or victimize ourselves because to fight is synonymous with living, but this festival has fought tirelessly for the last four years to thrive.” “There’s still much ground to cover.
We must work together – government, community groups, and businesses – to understand how important cultural and creative industries are for our country’s economy and society to grow,” declared Culture Minister Giselle González Villarué, who later told Variety that a delayed feasibility study that would explore the creation of a major studio facility in Panama was underway.
As the general elections scheduled for May 5 draw near, there is a sense of uncertainty prevailing within the country’s creative industries, which depend on some state support. “Let’s hope the next administration will back the festival as much as we have… you have my support today, tomorrow and forever,” she pledged.
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