Canadian Premiere
History, religion, and colonialism collide with spiritual awakening, miracles, and poverty in Portobelo, Panama, where locals worship a black Jesus Christ. Culminating in the rapturous yearly festival, his most devout followers share how they came to their faith.
Supported by
Community Partner
Canada/Panama
2022
In Spanish with English subtitles
Indigenous & Community Access
Credits
Producer
Paul Stavropoulos, Brendan Mills
Cinematography
Paul Stavropoulos & Dean Gold
Editor
Paul Stavropoulos & Brendan Mills
Directors
Paul Stavropoulos
Paul is a Canadian director based in LA. His work focuses on challenging yet connective stories of love and light. He was a member of Werner Herzog’s 2018 Filmmaking Bootcamp. Paul was raised in Panama for most of his childhood.
Filmography: Sexual Being (2018); Cristo Negro (2023); De-Streamed (2023)
Brendan Mills
Brendan Mills is a Canadian director & editor whose work has been presented internationally at Venice Giornate degli Autori, Cannes Semaine de la Critique, SXSW, TIFF, NYFF, IFFR, Hot Docs, and more.
VIFF Short Forum
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VIFF Short Forum 1
The Short Forum kicks off with an all-Canadian program.
VIFF Short Forum 2
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VIFF Short Forum 3
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VIFF Short Forum 4
Shorts from Brazil, Kenya, Martinique, Mexico, Taiwan, and USA.
VIFF Short Forum 5
Shorts from Belgium, Canada, France, South Korea, Taiwan, and USA.
VIFF Short Forum 6
Shorts from Australia, Canada, Finland, France, Lebanon, Palestine, Slovenia, and Ukraine.
VIFF Short Forum 7
Shorts from Armenia, Canada, Tibet, Colombia, Japan, and Turkey.
VIFF Short Forum 8
Shorts from Canada, Hong Kong, Estonia, India, Japan, Mexico, and Spain.
VIFF Short Forum 9
Shorts from Australia, Canada, France, and South Korea.
Short Fuse
A unique collection of Canadian and International shorts: charming, funny, even a bit scary. These filmmakers bring unique stories to screen, showcasing animated imaginary and natural worlds, Indigenous futurist tales, and experiences from the everyday.