The Panama International Film Festival has introduced a new international competition for documentary features. This move highlights the festival’s commitment to showcasing a wider range of global non-fiction filmmaking.
The 2026 edition will open with the Peruvian documentary “Runa Simi.” The film recently earned recognition at the Tribeca Film Festival. Its selection sets a strong, artistic tone for the event.
The festival will close with “Milly, Queen of Merengue,” directed by Leticia Tonos. This documentary explores the life of the iconic Dominican merengue singer Milly Quezada. The opening and closing films both underscore a focus on compelling regional stories.
This expansion includes a broader curation of international voices. The new documentary competition is a key part of this strategic growth. It aims to elevate the festival’s profile on the global stage.
Organizers view the non-fiction competition as a natural evolution. It responds to the increasing quality and quantity of documentary work in Latin America and worldwide. The program seeks to attract top-tier films and filmmakers.
The changes reflect the festival’s adaptive programming under director Pituka Ortega-Heilbron. The goal is to balance prestigious international cinema with strong regional representation. This approach strengthens the event’s cultural impact.
The festival runs from April 9 to 12, offering a concentrated program of screenings and events. The introduction of the documentary competition is expected to become a central pillar of future editions.