Berlinale, Sundance & Panama Gems Compete for Audience Glory at Latin America’s Top Film Fest

2023’s notable contenders for the Audience Award at the Panama Film Festival (IFF Panama) are led by Ana Endara’s critically acclaimed debut “Beloved Tropic.” Among these standouts are “Rita,” directed by Guatemalan filmmaker Jayro Bustamante, “Sujo,” Mexico’s Sundance winner, and “Pepe,” directed by Nelson Carlo de los Santos who won Best Director at Berlinale. The festival also features a selection of documentaries, as well as more animated films like “Olivia and the Clouds,” reflecting growing interest in Central America for this genre. IFF Panama takes place from April 3 – 6.

“Beloved Tropic” (“Querido tropico”) Ana Endara, Panama, Colombia

The film that kicks off the festival is the one that won the Su Mirada post-production award last year. This is the first fiction feature by director Ana Endara, and it takes place in Panama City. The story revolves around Ana María, a Colombian caregiver hiding something, and Mercedes, a wealthy woman portrayed by Paulina García who is dealing with early dementia. As their lives become interconnected, they form an unforeseen bond as they tackle the challenges of caregiving, a deep desire for connection, and their individual hardships.

Opening the festival is the film that won last year’s Su Mirada post-production award. This is Ana Endara’s debut as a fiction feature director, set in Panama City. The story follows Ana María, a Colombian caregiver hiding a secret, and Mercedes, a high-society woman played by Paulina García who has early dementia. As their lives intersect, they form an unexpected bond while dealing with the challenges of caregiving, a need for connection, and personal issues.

The film that starts the festival is the one that won last year’s Su Mirada post-production award. This is Ana Endara’s first fiction feature as a director, taking place in Panama City. The story revolves around Ana María, a Colombian caregiver hiding something, and Mercedes, a wealthy woman portrayed by Paulina García who has early dementia. As their lives intertwine, they form an unforeseen bond while navigating the challenges of caregiving, a deep desire for connection, and personal struggles.

“Wild Gleaming Space” (“Luminoso espacio salvaje”), Mauro Colombo, Panama, Spain

2024 Hot Docs premiere film: “Jungle Encounter” directed by Italian filmmaker Mauro Colombo. Following the demise of his father, Colombo stumbles upon an unconscious man in a jungle. Attempting to revive him, the man momentarily regains consciousness before succumbing again. This chilling experience triggers Colombo on an internal exploration about his relationship with mortality. The film is co-produced by Panama’s Abner Benaim.

“El Brujo: Julio Zachrisson,” Félix ‘Trillo’ Guardia, Panama

A movie maker, captivated by a mysterious painting he finds at his grandmother’s house, journeys to Madrid to meet the artist behind it, the renowned Latin American painter Julio Zachrisson. This encounter ignites a profound friendship that significantly alters their lives. Using unique interviews, old recordings, and engaging animation, this documentary delves into themes of memory, history, identity, and art as a means of connecting different generations.

“Sugar Island,” Johanné Gómez, Dominican Republic, Spain

A blend of documentary and fiction, Gómez’s debut film centers on Makenya, a 16-year-old girl living in a sugarcane worker’s shantytown (batey) who unexpectedly finds herself pregnant. This event sets her on a path to maturity. Throughout her journey, she encounters a symbolic serpent—a representation of the mysterious forces known as Los Misterios—that leads her towards self-discovery and the realm of the seemingly impossible. The film has garnered several awards from the Venice and Malaga film festivals.

“Pepe,” Nelson Carlo de los Santos, Dominican Republic, France, Namibia, Germany

A timeless voice narrates a tale, allegedly that of the hippo killed in Colombia. Much like the lands and their inhabitants it mirrors, it ponders over those who perished without finding their rightful place. The storyteller is the recipient of Berlinale’s Silver Bear for Best Director, making history as the first Latin American director to achieve this honor.

“Delirio, “Alexandra Latishev Salazar, Costa Rica, Chile

The movie, focusing on gender violence, revolves around Masha and her mother Elisa, who revisit their ancestral home due to Masha’s grandmother’s deteriorating mental condition. In this seemingly eternal location, their lives intertwine, awakening a sinister entity. Cut off from the world, each woman attempts to break free in their unique fashion. This film made its debut at the Guadalajara Film Festival. Patra Spanou is responsible for international distribution.

This movie, dealing with gender violence, follows Masha and her mom Elisa as they go back home due to grandma’s dementia. In this timeless setting, their lives get connected, stirring a creepy force. Alone, each tries to flee in their own style. It was first shown at the Guadalajara Film Festival. Patra Spanou manages international sales.

“Rita,” Jayro Bustamante, Guatemala, U.S.

13-year-old Rita flees her abusive household in search of a fantastical sanctuary where her aspirations might materialize. She initially finds solace with a compassionate diner proprietor before being transferred to a government-operated facility teeming with extraordinary beings and girls with supernatural abilities. These girls aim to vanquish the witches and demons ruling them, and they believe that Rita will guide them to victory. Bustamante’s third submission for Guatemala in the International Feature Oscar category.

“Once Upon a Time in the Caribbean” (“Erase una vez en el Caribe”), Ray Figueroa, Puerto Rico

Titled as a Caribbean fusion of Samurai and Western genres, this film is set in 1930s Puerto Rico during periods of poverty and inequality where American control prevails. Junior Walker seeks to marry Pura, sending his men to abduct her, unbeknownst to him that she is already married to Juan Encarnación, a formidable former overseer, who shares the same fate with his daughter, Patria. Encarnación, accompanied by Patria, confronts Walker’s forces, including adversaries from a prior conflict. In conclusion, they battle for the protection of their family and homeland against colonial powers. This project has been part of Berlinale Talents, Cinergia Cine Lab, Cartagena Meetings, and Kyoto Filmmakers Lab during its development process.

“They Will Be Dust” (“Polvo serán”), Carlos Marques-Marcet, Spain, Italy, Switzerland

Dramatic Musical Comedy, the latest creation from Marqués-Marcet, winner of Best New Director award, titled “10,000 Km.” After receiving a terminal illness diagnosis, Claudia embarks on her final journey to Switzerland. Her lifelong companion Flavio chooses to join her on this one-way trip. This heartfelt production won the 2024 Platform Award at the Toronto Film Festival during its world premiere.

“Black Butterflies” (“Mariposas negras”), David Baute, Spain

A lively documentary-style film that received the Best Animation Goya award showcases how climate change impacts the lives of Tanit, Valeria, and Shaila – women from different parts of the globe, all sharing a common destiny: they each suffer devastating losses due to global warming and are compelled to relocate in order to survive. This film first premiered at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival. It features an original song by Rubén Blades.

“Samana Sunrise” (“Amanece en Samaná”), Rafa Cortés, Spain, Dominican Republic

Movie featuring popular Rom-com actor Luis Tosar (“Cell 211”) is set in the Dominican Republic. It follows four individuals who are going on a Caribbean trip to commemorate their mutual 20-year anniversaries. As they reminisce with a couple of drinks too many, hidden secrets surface, hinting at how their relationships might have taken an entirely different path the night they initially crossed paths. FilmSharks is responsible for managing international distribution rights.

“Kill the Jockey” (“El Jockey”), Luis Ortega, Argentina, U.K., Mexico, Spain

Remo Manfredini, a renowned jockey, battles self-destructive tendencies that jeopardize his career and bond with Abril. On a pivotal race day, which could settle his debts owed to mafia figure Sirena, he endures an accident, vanishes, and roams the streets of Buenos Aires. With his identity lost, he embarks on a journey of self-rediscovery as Sirena searches for him. This film was showcased at the Venice Film Festival where it received the Edipo Re Award and at San Sebastian where it claimed the Horizontes Latinos Award.

“Reas,” Lola Arias, Argentina, Switzerland, Germany

Yoseli, adorned with an Eiffel Tower tattoo on her back, yearned for travel but was apprehended at the airport due to drug trafficking charges. Nacho, a transgender individual, was imprisoned for fraud and formed a rock band during confinement. Regardless of their personality or appearance, be they natives or newcomers, long-serving inmates or fresh prisoners, these characters share their tales in a hybrid musical set within the walls of a Buenos Aires prison. This groundbreaking production made its debut at Berlinale. Luxbox manages international distribution.

“Olivia & the Clouds,” Tomás Pichardo Espaillat, Dominican Republic

As a movie enthusiast, allow me to share my thoughts on an extraordinary animated feature that’s left quite an impression. In this story, I find myself as Olivia, haunted by the echoes of a past love. Just like her, I exchange tokens with a spectral figure, receiving tranquil rainclouds in return.

Bárbara, much like me when heartbroken, seeks refuge in the whimsical tales she weaves to escape the harshness of reality. Mauricio, who unfortunately resembles someone I know all too well, is consumed by remorse and seemingly swallowed by the very earth beneath him.

Ramón, a character that reminds me of my own longing for Olivia, watches as an enigmatic plant sprouts – its growth mirroring her emotional journey. With its surreal elements and experimental style, this film delves deep into the enduring power that love’s memory holds over us all.

Having premiered at the 77th Locarno Film Fest, it has since garnered top accolades at festivals in Havana, Malaga, and San Diego. This cinematic masterpiece is a must-watch for anyone seeking to explore the complexities of love, loss, and redemption.

“All We Imagine as Light,” Payal Kapadia, France, India, U.S., Belgium

In Mumbai, nurse Prabha’s daily life takes an unexpected turn upon receiving a surprising present from her husband living far away. Meanwhile, young roommate Anu grapples with finding a secluded spot in bustling city to spend time with her boyfriend. A journey to a coastal town presents them both with the chance to discover a place where their dreams can unfurl. This movie made its debut at Cannes and was awarded the Grand Prix, subsequently garnering numerous accolades globally.

“Through Rocks and Clouds” (“Raiz”), Franco García Becerra, Peru, Chile

Eight-year-old alpaca herder Feliciano is thrilled that Peru might make it to the World Cup. However, amid his joy, the movie showcases the struggles faced by his community. These difficulties stem from contaminated pastures and the advance of a mining company, which not only jeopardizes their lifestyle but also threatens Feliciano’s aspirations. This moving film earned a Special Mention at the Berlinale’s Generation Kplus International.

“Hola Frida!” André Kadi, Karine Vézina, Canada, France

Vibrant biographical film about Frida Kahlo. As a child, Frida distinguishes herself with her vibrant personality. Filled with zest and wonder, she finds enchantment in the world around her. In the face of life’s difficulties, she confronts them with an endless creativity and tenacity.

“Dead Talents Society,” John Hsu, Taiwan, U.S.

A humorous blend of horror and thriller, this movie tells the tale of a band of spirits who aspire to become the most chilling urban legends and celebrated celebrities in the spirit realm. They plan to achieve their goal by employing terrifying tactics and haunting acts amongst the living. With limited time remaining, novice ghost Novata must invent a method to earn recognition by causing fear among the living. If you can scare, you’ll be remembered. This movie is distributed by Sony Pictures Releasing.

“Mexico 86,” César Diaz, Belgium, France, Mexico

Featuring Berenice Bejo (“The Artist”), debut director Diaz’s film “Our Mothers” garnered the Camara d’Or at Cannes 2019. In 1976, Guatemala, the oppressive regime endangered María, a Guatemalan activist resisting the military dictatorship. Forced into exile in Mexico City, she had to leave her newly born son behind. A decade later, when her son reunites with her, she finds herself torn between fulfilling her maternal responsibilities and pursuing further revolutionary work. Bac Films handles international distribution.

“Sujo,” Astrid Rondero, Fernanda Valadez, Mexico, U.S., France

A film that initially won the World Cinema Dramatic Grand Jury Prize at Sundance and later accumulated numerous awards globally, tells the story of a hitman who leaves behind his 4-year-old son, Sujo, after he is killed. Throughout Sujo’s life, the specter of violence lingers. As he matures into adulthood, Sujo learns that he cannot evade the same destiny as his father, despite his aunt’s valiant attempts to shield him from it.

2025-04-01 20:23

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