The IFF Panama Foundation is pleased to announce the opening of the call for submissions to the ninth edition of the PRIMERA MIRADA Fund.
Aligned with our ongoing commitment to strengthening the audiovisual industry in Central America and the Caribbean, we are thrilled to launch the ninth edition of the Primera Mirada Fund, aimed at providing financial support to regional films in the post-production phase.
Up to five films will be selected to participate in the competition, which will take place during the 13th edition of IFF Panama, scheduled for April 3–6, 2025. An international jury will award a cash prize to help finalize the selected project. In addition to the financial support, Primera Mirada offers producers and directors the invaluable opportunity to receive professional guidance from industry experts on the jury.
Previous editions have featured filmmakers such as: Nelson Carlo De Los Santos Arias, Johanné Gómez Terrero, Ariel Escalante and Laura Amelia Guzmán, whose works have premiered at prestigious film festivals including SXSW, Berlin International Film Festival, Malaga Festival, Venice International Film Festival, among others.
“Primera Mirada” is a unique fund designed to support filmmakers from Central America and the Caribbean. Through their films, these creators offer valuable insights into their territories and identities, while also promoting key economic factors and enhancing the visibility of their countries and regions. Thanks to the ongoing support of the Inter-American Development Bank, here in Panama, we are proud to serve as a platform for these films that are in the process of being completed” said Karla Quintero, Executive Director of IFF Panama Foundation.
GUIDELINES:
Films must be registered between November 19th, 2024 to January 20th, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. (EST) through the following link:
- The film and its director must be from one of the following countries:
Antigua, Aruba, Barbados, Belize, Costa Rica, Cuba, El Salvador, Grenada, Guadeloupe, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Jamaica, Martinique, Nicaragua, Panama, Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, or Trinidad and Tobago. - The film must include English subtitles.
- The electronic registration form must be completed accurately.
- The Latin American premiere of the winning film must take place at the IFF Panama, unless prior commitments prevent it.
- The winning project is not eligible to apply for the Su Mirada Fund.
TERMS & CONDITIONS:
Only film projects with at least a first cut and a minimum duration of 60 minutes will be considered for submission.
Selected projects will be reviewed by an international jury of film industry professionals, who will select the winning project of Primera Mirada.
By completing the registration form, you confirm that you have read and understood the rules, requirements, and terms of the contest. You also affirm that you hold the exhibition rights to the film and grant explicit authorization for your film to participate in the Primera Mirada competition.
The results of the selection process are final.
There will be up to $15,000.00 in prizes for the winning projects. Distribution will be at the discretion of the jury.
For further information regarding eligibility, the application process, and important deadlines, please contact us at industria@iffpanama.ong. Follow us on our official social media channels (@iffpanama) for updates and announcements.
The future of Latin American cinema is continuously evolving and flourishing, with Primera Mirada serving as a vital catalyst for its growth.
