The organizers of the Hayah International Short Film Festival of Panama announced the details of its 16th edition.

With this new edition, Panamanian and international filmmakers will have the opportunity to exhibit their short films and compete in each category to opt for the Festival Statuette and International Distribution awards.

The competing categories are: Fiction, documentary, animation, video clips, new Directors Panama (exclusive category for Panama), Best National Short Film (exclusive category for Panama).

This festival will be open until July 31 through Filmfreeway and will be held in November 2024 in Panama City.

Since its creation, the Hayah Festival has been a launch pad for emerging filmmakers.

In its editions, it has boosted the careers of numerous directors, screenwriters and producers who have left their mark on the Panamanian industry.

The festival continues to reaffirm its commitment to the training and development of new talents.

Events and workshops focused on project development will be offered, along with opportunities to connect local and international filmmakers.

Every year, our cinema is moving forward at full speed, demonstrating that the potential of its stories is just beginning.

In this edition we want to celebrate the path traveled during these 17 years of management, reflecting on the impact that our cultural management has had on Panamanian cinema.