The San Miguelito District will host a free community film event this Saturday, April 11. Organized by the United Nations Population Fund and the International Film Festival of Panama, the screening aims to spark conversation about adolescent mental health and social challenges.
Officials plan to show the film “Olivia and the Invisible Earthquake” at the Torrijos Carter Sports Complex. This event marks the first pilot project from a partnership between the festival, the San Miguelito mayor’s office, and the UN agency. Its goal is to bring world-class cinema directly into community spaces outside traditional venues.
Cinema as a Catalyst for Community Dialogue
Beyond entertainment, organizers designed the activity to create a meaningful impact on local youth. They specifically invited young people connected to district health programs to attend. The selected film tackles themes of anxiety, uncertainty, and invisible struggles faced by adolescents.
Edith Castillo Núñez, the National Representative for the unfpa panam in Panama, explained the film’s relevance. She drew a direct parallel between the protagonist’s journey and the realities of many young people in the community.
“Like Olivia, the main character of the film, many girls, adolescents, and young women face profound changes that are not always visible,” Castillo Núñez said. [Translated from Spanish] “Anxiety, uncertainty, violence, or exclusion are silent realities with real impacts on their lives, their health, and their future.”
She emphasized the UN agency’s commitment to making these often-overlooked issues a public priority. The event aligns with broader efforts to use data and policy to address core community needs.
Strengthening Partnerships for Social Impact
This screening represents the second year of collaboration between the film festival and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). Karla Quintero, Executive Director of the International Film Festival of Panama (IFF Panama), expressed strong enthusiasm for bringing the initiative to San Miguelito.
“I believe this was the space,” Quintero stated, highlighting the district’s need for this type of engagement. [Translated from Spanish] “This is the first time the IFF has come to San Miguelito. This film is ideal for that space and will generate conversations among the children of San Miguelito.”
Her comments underscore a strategic shift for the festival, actively moving beyond its central locations to reach new audiences. The partnership with local government is crucial for accessing community infrastructure and engaging residents directly.
Organizers view cinema as a powerful tool for social transformation. They argue that film can make complex personal and social issues more accessible. This event creates a shared experience designed to break down stigma and encourage open discussion.
“From UNFPA we believe the invisible matters too,” Castillo Núñez added. [Translated from Spanish] “Mental health, wellbeing, and protection from violence are rights, not secondary issues.” The agency’s work in Panama often involves supporting legal and public health frameworks, similar to other international engagements by the naciones unidas.
The free outdoor screening at Torrijos Carter Sports Complex begins at dusk on Saturday. Community leaders anticipate a strong turnout. They hope the project will serve as a model for future cultural outreach programs in Panama’s densely populated neighborhoods.