This year, the Hayah Festival presented 51 national and international short films and video clips as well as the Hayah Connect 2025 educational program, including workshops, talks and an industry meeting.
The Festival of Cortos had its opening on Wednesday, November 19 with an evening that brought together special guests and film lovers at La Apple de Santa Ana. From the National Cinematography and Audiovisual Management (DICINE) of the Ministry of Culture of Panama, Emmy Polo noted that the Hayah Festival is "a space that reaffirms the creative force and emerging talent of our region," and that from the Cinema Direction "we are committed to supporting a festival that promotes new voices, that challenges diversity of looks and that opens opportunities for our stories to find their way.".
The Panamanian filmmaker and director of the festival, Mariel García Spooner, emphasized the growth of national cinema and the fundamental role of short film within industry. The short format is, for most creators, the first point of contact with film production. That's why festivals such as Hayah are essential to open doors, form community and project Panamanian talent to new opportunities..
The Hayah 2025 Festival was held from 19 to 23 November with projections of the official selection of shortcuts at Cypolis de El Dorado and free talks at the headquarters of Ciudad de Las Artes.