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What's the most shocking moment in children's cinema? The death of Bambi's mother in Disney's 1942 classic titled, well, "Bambi," has to be up there. It's bloodless, but more impactful because of that; the movie doesn't revel in the death, it's just a matter of life.

The animals in "Bambi" are less humanized than in later Disney pictures. They're drawn and live as real beasts; even what little dialogue there is in "Bambi" feels like a creative compromise. The incomprehensible force named Man snatching away Bambi's mother is the reality for deer dogged by hunters. Notice too how Bambi's mother dies in the winter; it's not just to make the scene extra moody, but because winter is the season of death. The film then jumps ahead to spring and when it reintroduces Bambi, he's grown into a young stag; his childhood ended that snowy day. It's all the unforgiving circle of life.

Panama City — Prior to the launch of Iff Panama in 2012, Panama’s film production was virtually non-existent. With the aid of the festival, the national film fund, and impetus created by an influx of foreign shoots, local productions have secured an increasingly important role at the domestic box office.

Several projects now enjoy multi-territory releases – such as Abner Benaim’s “Ruben Blades Is Not My Name” and Arturo Montenegro’s “Frozen in Russia,” both released in 2018.

Iff Panama has increased visibility for local films and helped local helmers set their sights on the international market.

Seven Panamanian films are screening at the 8th Iff Panama; other promising projects are in production or pre-production.

All projects explore the complex, multi-faceted dimensions of Panamanian culture, ranging from tropical rainforests and indigenous tribes to the legacy of decades of U.S. presence.

Miguel González’s half-hour documentary, “The Fourth Estate,” turns on corruption...