The Image and Sound Center Foundation (CIMAS), a non-profit educational body, dedicated to stimulating the development of the audiovisual industry in Panama, through the execution of film projects, support for young filmmakers and dissemination of national cinema, among other activities, announces the 7th. edition of the International Human Rights Film Festival of Panama – BannabáFest, from July 8 to 14 nationwide. This year we will dedicate it to the Right to Work, Article 23 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights issued in 1948.
The BannabáFest is the only completely free festival in Panama, a community event that reaches audiences throughout the country, with the projection of quality films and training activities, in person and online, with the collective effort of volunteers.
«Between 2017 and 2021, the BannabáFest reached more than 12,000 people and grew from having 7 venues in 3 provinces in the first edition to 45 venues in 8 provinces. In 2022 we managed to present more than 100 international films, in 52 venues, reaching more than 5,300 viewers throughout the country. Our selection of films has had the participation of filmmakers from countries in the Americas, Europe, Africa and Asia”, explained Luis Rodríguez Ventosa, Director of the Festival.
Agenda BannabáFest 2023
On Saturday, July 8, the event will open at the Flat Arch (Old Town)continuing the week with the Visual Sociology Workshop dictated by Ana Quijano (Argentina – Panama)Graduate in Film and Television Production, Master in Sociology from the University of Geneva, theater artist, as well as audiovisual producer, with a diverse international career.
And the Workshop Theory and Practice of Cinematographic Sound Language by Samuel Larson (Mexico), Graduated from the International Film and TV School of Cuba, Sound Designer for Movies like Lolo, Fiber Optic, Mezcal among others.
In addition, screenings of films and shorts at the national level and at the Gladys Vidal Theater, educational talks at Ganexa, outdoor screening at Andrés Bello Park, closing on Friday, July 14 with the award ceremony and official closing of the Bannabá in its 7th. edition.
Through films, workshops and talks, the festival aims to generate a space for reflection on Human Rights issues, contained in participating films from all over the world, contributing to the building of a country of justice, peace and equity.
The 7th edition of the International Human Rights Film Festival of Panama – BannabáFest is possible thanks to the sponsorship of the Ministry of Culture, the Mayor’s Office of Panama, the Specialized University of the Americas, the University of Panama, GECU, SERTV, Hotel Millán, Balboa Boutiques, and other sponsors public and private, produced by the Image and Sound Center Foundation (CIMAS).
