The "First Glance" fund, an initiative of the IFF Panama Foundation, which promotes films in Central America and the Caribbean in the post-production stage with financing, is about to close its 2025 call for applications.
It should also be noted that the winning project cannot apply for the "Your Glance" fund. By registering, participants confirm they have read and accepted the rules, thereby authorizing participation and exhibition in "First Glance".
From Panama, "First Glance" continues to be a space to support, promote, and showcase films that "narrate who we are and where we are going".
More than a fund, it is a platform for momentum, connection, and identity that has promoted the careers of filmmakers who now shine at festivals in Berlin, Rotterdam, Guadalajara, and Amsterdam, supporting figures such as Ana Elena Tejera (Panama), Ariel Escalante (Costa Rica), Johanné Gómez Terrero (Dominican Republic), and Nelson Carlo De Los Santos (Dominican Republic).
Significance "First Glance" has consolidated itself as an engine of cultural and creative development, supporting filmmakers from the region and strengthening the presence of Central America and the Caribbean in the global circuit.
Similarly, on the foundation's official website, one must check the eligible countries. Projects selected (a maximum of five) after evaluation by an international jury of film and international industry professionals will be able to participate in the 14th edition of the Panama International Film Festival.
For the 2026 edition, the fund will continue to promote projects that reflect the identity and diversity of Central America and the Caribbean, prioritizing those distinguished by their originality, artistic sensitivity, and cultural relevance.
The prestigious support fund, which has transformed stories into films and films into a legacy, opened the call on October 22 and will close next week, on December 22 at 11:59 PM (Panama time).
Projects to be submitted must meet some requirements, such as being in the post-production stage, subtitled in English or Spanish, and completing the registration form on the IFF Panama website (https://iffpanama.ong).
Financing of up to $15,000 will be distributed at the jury's discretion, and the Latin American premiere of the winning work must take place at the festival.
