Panama, March 25, 2026. - The 14th edition of the Panama International Film Festival (IFF Panama 2026) will be held from 9 to 12 April 2026, under the motto "Cinema es Vida." The issue will have a robust program of more than 40 films, 7 of them Panamanian, from Latin America, Central America, the Caribbean, Europe, Africa and Asia, and will be shown at iconic venues such as the National Theater, the Canal Museum and, for the first time, at the City of the Arts.

The festival reaffirms its position as an event that projects national talent and attracts a global look at the Panamanian audiovisual industry.

) During his official launch, the Minister of Culture, María Eugenia Herrera, emphasized that cinema is a backbone of the cultural ecosystem and an essential tool for creative development and strengthening of identity.

"From the Ministry of Culture we fulfill our mission to strengthen the Panamanian audiovisual ecosystem. That commitment is reflected today on the screen: this year we celebrate that seven Panamanian films, made thanks to Panama's Fondo Cine, will be part of the festival's program, showing that when there are sustained public policies, talent will be improved and national cinema will be consolidated," she added.

Among this year's new events, the City of the Arts will serve as a strategic stage for projections, industry panels and workshops. Also, the program will include selections such as Perspectiva Panama, Stories of Central America and the Caribbean, and Portal Iberoamericano, highlighting the participation of seven Panamanian films made with support from the Fondo Cine of Panama.

The event was attended by key public and cultural figures, including Astrid Ábrego, Minister with responsibility for Trade and Industries, Sheila González, National Director of Cinema and María Cecilia Arias, Director of the Panama Filling Commission. Also represented were Pituka Ortega and Karla Quintero, leaders of the IFF Panama Foundation.

In her statement, Minister Herrera emphasized the vision of the National Government, led by President José Raúl Mulino, to consolidate the country as a regional Cultural Hub, concluding that "Panama does not only consume cinema but believes, lives and proudly export it."