The International Film Festival of Panama invites Caribbean and Central American filmmakers/films to its works-in-progress section.

Exclusive for Caribbean and Central American filmmakers/films in the stage of post-production, the second edition of the Primera Mirada initiative seeks to support the unique cinema that is emerging throughout the region.

Submissions are now being accepted through February 1st, 2016. 

The winning project will receive $15,000 aimed toward the film’s completion. Once finished, the film will be screened at Marché du Films de Cannes (the annual Cannes Film Market), thanks to a recent alliance between IFF Panama and the French festival’s renowned film market.

Once all the proposals are submitted, IFF Panama will select five films and present them, via private screening sessions during IFF Panama 2016, to an international jury who will select a winner. Filmmakers and producers will have opportunities to ask/answer questions and receive feedback from other industry members.

The winning film will be announced during the fifth edition of the International Film Festival of Panama, which will take place the week of April 7-13, 2016. The Cannes Film Market happens the following month.

Last year, IFF Panama’s Primera Mirada winner was ´Te Prometo Anarquía´ from Guatemalan helmer Julio Hernández Cordón. "Te Prometo Anarquía" was awarded the funds along with a complementary design for the film’s poster. Ariel Escalante’s "El sonido de las cosas," from Costa Rica, received an honorable mention.

IFF Panama’ Primera Mirada aims to provide an international platform for the growth and development of Central American and Caribbean cinema. 

To apply, and for full details on the program, visit: http://www.iffpanama.org/en/primera-mirada.