Panamanian winner of Euro CineLab 2025 participates in bi-regional meeting ‘De Valores y Visiones’ (On Values and Visions) on audiovisual cooperation in Bogotá, Colombia

The seminar "Values and Visions: The potential of the audiovisual sector in cooperation between the EU and Latin America and the Caribbean”, held on 5 November 2025 in Bogotá, Colombia, marked the closure of the bi-regional EULAC Cinema project. This meeting sought to strengthen cultural and audiovisual cooperation between Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean, highlighting cinema as a tool to build bridges between regions, promote diversity and promote social inclusion.

The "De Valores y Visiones" event, organised within the framework of the IV CELAC-EU Summit, brought together film professionals, cultural institutions and government representatives to reflect on the future of the audiovisual sector, audience formation and bi-regional co-production. The role of cinema as a driver of social change, cultural identity and intercultural dialogue was emphasised, especially in contexts of peace and social transformation.

Participation of Helen Miranda, Panama

Helen Miranda, director of the short film Daughter of the Earth and Panamanian winner of the Euro CineLab 2025 award, participated in the first Panel "Film as a space for participation for young people and diversities in both regions". In her speech, Helen highlighted how new technologies – from smartphones to social media – are democratising audiovisual creation, allowing more voices, especially from young people and marginalised communities, to tell their stories. However, he stressed that access to technology is not a substitute for education: It is essential to train creators in cultural management, distribution and understanding of the film ecosystem so that their works transcend borders.

Miranda also highlighted the importance of integrating diversity as an ethical and aesthetic commitment, not as a passing fad. His perspective reflected the spirit of the panel, which sought to explore how cinema can be a space for active participation for young people and diverse groups, promoting authentic and representative narratives.

Key themes of the event

1. Diversity and Inclusion: Participants agreed that diversity – of gender, origin and format – is the greatest strength of Latin American and European cinema. The need to co-produce from empathy and a shared perspective was highlighted, prioritizing stories that reflect local realities but dialogue with universal concerns.
2. Distribution and training of audiences: In Panel 2, the challenge of bringing independent cinema to more viewers was discussed. It was proposed to innovate in distribution models, create bi-regional alliances and form audiences from education. It was mentioned that Latin American cinema occupies only 2.5% of screens in the region, which underlines the urgency of collaborative strategies.
3. Co-creation and co-operation: In Panel 3, co-production was explored as an act of memory and cultural reparation. Diana Diaz (Colombia) and other panelists stressed that the future of EU-LAC cooperation depends on building human networks, not just financial arrangements. Cinema was highlighted as a space to address global issues, such as migration and climate change, from local and sensitive perspectives.
4. Technology and education: Helen Miranda and other participants noted that while technology facilitates creation, comprehensive training is key. Filmmakers need to be trained in managing, distributing and building audiences so that their works have a real impact.

The importance of EU-Latin America and the Caribbean audiovisual cooperation

The event concluded that audiovisual cooperation should be horizontal and co-responsible, where each region contributes its vision without hierarchies. Cinema was recognised as an instrument of hope and connection, capable of building bridges in a fragmented world.

Helen Miranda's involvement reinforced the idea that Panama and the region play an active role in this transformation, especially by integrating technology, education and diversity into their narratives.

In short, the seminar "De Valores y Visiones" made it clear that the future of bi-regional cinema does not depend only on funds or productions, but on communities that dream, create and consume cinema together.