THE 17TH HAYAH SHORTS INT. FESTIVAL CONCLUDES

This year, the Hayah Festival submitted 51 national and international short films and video clipsand Hayah Connect 2025 educational programand includes workshops, talks and an industry meeting.

The Cortos Festival had its opening on Wednesday November 19 with an evening that brought together special guests and film lovers at La Panzana de Santa Ana. National Cinematography and Audiovisual Office (DICINE) of the Ministry of Culture of Panama, Emmy Polo stated that The Hayah Festival is "a space that reaffirms the creative force and emerging talent of our region "and that from the film department "we are committed to supporting a festival that promotes new voices and challenges diversity of looks and opportunities for our stories to find their way."

The Panamanian filmmaker and festival director, Mariel García Spoonerand emphasized the national cinema and the fundamental role of short films 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 vital to opening doors, building communities and projecting Panamanian talent to new opportunities.

The The Hayah 2025 Festival was held from 19 to 23 Novemberwith projections from the official selection of short films at Cypolis de El Dorado and free talks at the headquarters of Ciudad de Las Artes.