The International Film Festival of Panama (IFF Panamá), through its IFF Panamá Foundation, presents the 2025 edition of Primera Mirada, its prestigious fund for supporting feature films in the post-production stage from Central America and the Caribbean. About Primera Mirada For ten years, Primera Mirada has accompanied filmmakers from Central America and the Caribbean during one of the most challenging stages of their projects: post-production. The jury's decision will be final and unappealable. The Latin American premiere of the winning work must take place at the International Film Festival of Panama, except for previously documented commitments. Since its inception in Panama, Primera Mirada has continued to be a space to support, promote, and showcase films that narrate who we are and where we are going. 2025 Call for Entries From October 22 to December 22, 2025 (11:59 PM, Panama time). Participation Criteria Projects must meet the following requirements: – Feature films in the post-production stage (with at least a first cut, minimum 60 minutes). – Subtitled in English (or in Spanish, if not spoken in that language). – Completed online application form. The winning project cannot apply for the Su Mirada fund. By registering, participants confirm they have read and accepted the rules, hold the exhibition rights, and authorize their participation in Primera Mirada. Interested parties can apply through the official IFF Panama website: https://iffpanama.ong. Eligible Countries Antigua and Barbuda, Aruba, Barbados, Belize, Costa Rica, Cuba, El Salvador, Grenada, Guadeloupe, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Jamaica, Martinique, Nicaragua, Panama, Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, Trinidad and Tobago. Prize A maximum of five (5) projects will be selected to participate in the 14th edition of the International Film Festival of Panama. Up to $15,000 in financial support, to be distributed at the jury's discretion. The films will be evaluated by an international jury composed of film and audiovisual industry professionals. More than a fund, it is a platform for boosting, connecting, and building cinematic identity that has helped transform stories into films, and films into a legacy. Throughout its history, Primera Mirada has propelled the careers of filmmakers who now shine at festivals such as Berlin, Rotterdam, Guadalajara, and Amsterdam, accompanying figures like Ana Elena Tejera (Panama), Ariel Escalante (Costa Rica), Johanné Gómez Terrero (Dominican Republic), and Nelson Carlo De Los Santos (Dominican Republic). Latin American cinema is experiencing a moment of transformation.
