A week in Panama
Where cinema, culture, tradition, and engineering marvels converge
PANAMA, a country steeped in cultural heritage and natural beauty, recently hosted a week-long celebration that seamlessly blended the glitz of the International Film Festival of Panama, the rich traditions of the Emberá Tribe, the vibrant Festival of Devils in Casco Viejo, and the awe-inspiring Panama Canal. This exciting trip shows how the country can blend different experiences to make amazing memories
The heart of the week-long adventure began in Panama City, where the International Film Festival of Panama happened under the direction of Karla Quintero. The legendary John Travolta graced the festival alongside critically acclaimed director Gregory Nava who is renowned for his masterpiece El Norte.
The festival’s program was an incredible curation of global cinema that highlighted underrepresented global stories. Classic masterpieces like Grease shared the spotlight with gems such as Italy’s Lo Capitano and Japan’s Monster, roping in audiences and sparking powerful discussions about storytelling, diverse cultural perspectives, and the power of cinema.
Querido Trópico grabbed the Su Mirada post-production award, while La Chica Destellante and Other Protests won the Development Award. The prestigious Copa Airlines Audience Award went to Bila Burba.
A series of special industry panels provided invaluable insights into the inner workings of the international film industry. Filmmakers, producers, and industry experts took part in essential discussions for a deeper understanding of cinema on a global scale. The festival’s commitment to showcasing diverse voices and narratives contributed to the artistic exploration of Panama and beyond.
Amidst the cinematic celebrations, the Festival of Devils in the heart of Casco Viejo added a touch of mystique and tradition. This annual celebration, deeply rooted in historical and cultural significance, showcases Panama’s diverse heritage.
The origins of the Festival of Devils can be traced back to the colonial era when African slaves infused their traditions with local customs. Today, participants wear elaborate devil masks and costumes, symbolizing a blend of spiritualism and theatricality. Drumbeats reverberate through the streets as dancers perform intricate routines, embodying the spirit of “Diablo,” ancestors and mythical creatures.
No visit to Panama is complete without experiencing the marvel of the Panama Canal. The canal’s locks and waterways connect the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, facilitating global trade and maritime navigation. With a quick ride from Casco Viejo, visitors can witness ships of all sizes passing through the locks, gaining a firsthand appreciation for this historical engineering wonder that has made a worldwide impact.
Another highlight was a nearby adventure into the heart of Panama’s rainforests to visit one of the villages of the Emberá Tribe. Visitors were taken on a journey alongside the river on a tranquil canoe ride and immersed themselves into the culture and traditions of a typical Emberá village.
This community, deeply rooted in ancient traditions, welcomed travelers with warm hospitality and cheerful songs. The Emberá tribal leader shared stories about their lasting traditions while sharing a freshly prepared meal of fish, plantains, and fruits wrapped in banana leaves. Accompanying the meal was a lively performance of their traditional music and dance.
Panama showed how well it can bring together movies, culture, festivals, and amazing engineering. The country’s welcoming spirit and unity were clear, from the fancy movie festival to sharing stories with the Emberá Tribe. Whether enjoying the vibrant Festival of Devils or visiting the famous Panama Canal, it was all memorable.
The 12th IFF Panama ran from April 4 to 7. The Festival Devils took place in Casco Viejo on April 6.