"Cumpleañero" a Panamanian film that ponders the freedom of our lives

The renowned Panamanian writer and director, Arturo Montenegro, released his most recent film production "Cumpleañero" a film developed at a time of a pandemic, selected by the Academy of Cinematographic Sciences and Arts of Panama to represent us at the Oscar 2023 Awards and that brings together an interesting plot that ponders about issues such as friendship, family and freedom that we have about our lives.

"One of the main characteristics of Panama is multiculturalism, its cultivation and its promotion as a function of the state and of all its citizens," said Minister Giselle González Villarrué.

The civil servants added, during the first premiere of the film that this means that "the terms of reference that have been given by law to the film and audiovisual industry in Panama, the Ministry of Culture is pleased to provide support for the distribution of film production" Cumpleañero. "

On the other hand "for the cast, this selection represents a triumph the Panamanian cinema, that grows, that begins to mature in its different themes, and but presents other situations, so it's a moment of great pride for the country, a work that I dedicate to Panama," expressed Montenegro.

Regarding production, Montenegro explained that between shooting and production it took nine months, using locations at the Azuero Peninsula as Pedasi, Playa Destiladeros, Isla Iguana, Isla los Fratas, Puerto Escondado.

The director of the film Cumpleañero, emphasized that "it's a film 100% Panamanian, showing an amazing quality, that will be competing with productions from Spain and Poland to mention some."

The actors include Gaby Gnazzo, Albi De Abrevu, Joavany Alvarez, Gina Faarup Cochez, Julia Dorto, Sharo Cerquera and others that will lead the viewer to share Jimmy's story and his decision to be diagnosed with ALA (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis).

The production can be seen from this moment on in the films of Panama.