Panama City - The Ministry of Culture (MiCultura), through the National Cinema Directorate, officially announced the opening of the call for the Fondo Cine 2024 National Competition. That contest, which aims to advance the development of Panamanian cinema, will be held from January 13, 2025 at 8: 00 a.m. to February 12, 2025 at 4: 00 p.m.

Cultural Minister María Eugenia Herrera and Deputy Minister Arianne Benedetti and national film director Sheila González emphasized the importance of this initiative that this year includes four new categories designed to strengthen the national film industry.

"The Fondo Cine contest is a platform that promotes and celebrates the talent of our filmmakers. That initiative reflects the State's commitment to the cultural and cinematic development of the country, with a budget of 2.3 million dollars to reward the winners," stated Minister Herrera.

Sheila González, for his part, presented the new categories included in the 2024 edition:
1. First production length: Support for emerging developers.
2. Minority co-productions for fiction and animation.
3. Minority co-production for documentaries.
4. Series development: To promote the creation of content for television and digital platforms.

The contest aims at not only recognizing national talent but also promoting the generation of direct and indirect jobs in areas such as production, performance, Zionism and technical services and contributing to other economic sectors such as tourism, hotels and logistics.

"Fostering the film industry is one of the main challenges of the Ministry of Culture. Through this contest, we promote innovation and the growth of creative and cultural industries, strengthening Panama as a regional reference point in the film field," said Minister Herrera.

The Fondo Cine 2024 contest strengthens the state's commitment to place national cinema as a tool to preserve and promote cultural identity, highlighting Panama at the international level.

For more information about the competition and participation requirements, please visit the MiCultura's website: www.MiCultura.gob.pa or contact the National Cinema Bureau at email: DICINE @ MiCultura.gob.pa