10 Years of Empowering the Films that Transform Our Region
The fund of the IFF Panama Foundation that accompanies, empowers, and showcases the most authentic stories from Central America and the Caribbean.
Open Call October 22 – December 22, 2025
For ten years, Primera Mirada has supported filmmakers from Central America and the Caribbean during one of the most challenging phases of their projects: post-production. More than a fund, it’s a platform for momentum, connection, and cinematic identity, helping transform stories into films, and films into legacy.
Up to five projects will be selected to participate in the 14th edition of the International Film Festival of Panama, where an international jury will grant a cash prize to support the film’s completion. Throughout its history, Primera Mirada has helped launch careers that now shine at major festivals such as Berlinale, Rotterdam, Guadalajara, and Amsterdam, celebrating filmmakers such as Ana Elena Tejera (Panama), Ariel Escalante (Costa Rica), Johanné Gómez Terrero (Dominican Republic), and Nelson Carlo De Los Santos (Dominican Republic).
Rules & Eligibility
Primera Mirada supports feature films from Central America and the Caribbean in the post-production stage, that crucial stretch where every decision shapes the final destiny of a film.
Main requirements:
• Feature films in post-production (with at least a first cut, minimum length of 60 minutes).
• Subtitled in English (or Spanish, if not spoken in that language).
• Completed online submission form.
Eligible countries:
Antigua, Aruba, Barbados, Belize, Costa Rica, Cuba, El Salvador, Grenada, Guadeloupe, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Jamaica, Martinique, Nicaragua, Panama, Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, Trinidad & Tobago.
Award:
Up to $15,000 in financial support, distributed at the jury’s discretion.
Submissions will be accepted from October 22 to December 22, 2025 (23:59. Panama time).
Terms & Conditions
Films will be evaluated by an international jury composed of professionals from the film and audiovisual industry.
Their decision will be final and unappealable.
By submitting, participants confirm that they have read and accepted the fund’s rules, hold the exhibition rights to the film, and authorize its participation in Primera Mirada.
The Latin American premiere of the winning film must take place at the International Film Festival of Panama, unless a prior commitment has been documented.
The winning project may not apply to the Su Mirada Fund.
More Information
For details on eligibility requirements, deadlines, and the submission process:
industria@iffpanama.org
Follow the fund’s updates and official announcements on:
@iffpanama
A Look Toward the Future
Latin American cinema is in constant transformation. From Panama, Primera Mirada continues to be a space that accompanies, empowers, and elevates the films that tell us who we are, and where we’re
going.
