Panama is setting the stage for a major transformation in its film industry, driven by a new wave of leadership under President José Raúl Mulino. A dynamic, largely female-led team is spearheading efforts to position the country as a prime destination for international productions.
At the forefront is Vice Minister of Culture Arianne Benedetti, a filmmaker and former film commissioner who played a key role in shaping Panama’s 2012 film law, according to Variety.
“We’re working to enhance all forms of incentives – from infrastructure and labour support to expanded cash-back offers,” Benedetti said. A new incentive aimed at attracting gaming producers is also in development.
One of the core proposals is to increase the current 25% cash rebate for international shoots to 30% or even 35%. At the same time, officials are pushing for a boost in funding for the Panamanian Film Fund, which backs local productions. There are also plans to revive MEET, the country’s co-production forum, later this year.
Benedetti highlighted Panama’s growing international presence. The country will be a special focus at the 2025 Malaga Film Festival, and its producers will participate in events such as Spain’s Ventana Sur and Berlin’s European Film Market (EFM), where Panama will have a national stand for the first time.
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Speaking at the Panama International Film Festival (IFF Panama), Benedetti and newly appointed film commissioner Maria Cecilia Arias shared plans to attract a foreign partner to build a film studio in Panama.
A feasibility study for the project is expected within the next two months. Last year, the team travelled to London and Los Angeles to meet with potential investors, including a company from Spain.
Arias emphasised Panama’s appeal for filmmakers, with its beaches, jungles, and mountains offering versatile backdrops that can double for cities like New York, Miami, or Dubai. The country’s compact geography also makes logistics easier for production crews.