Meet Carlos Carrasco and Maia De Zan Hatch

Today we’d like to introduce you to Carlos Carrasco and Maia De Zan Hatch.

The Panamanian International Film Festival in Los Angeles (PIFFLA) is celebrating its 5th year and the creative spark that inspired it is burning bright. The festival was created to recognize the vibrant filmmaking community in Panama and create a bridge with US Latinx filmmakers for the benefit of both. Over time, it has expanded to incorporate work from throughout the Americas and the Caribbean and is affectionately known as Panafest – a nod to the power of Pan-Latino identity and intersectionality. Festival Founder and Director Carlos Carrasco takes great pride in both his Panama City roots and his extensive Hollywood career (his credits have included Speed, The Fisher King, Blood In Blood Out, Parker, and many television series including Star Trek Deep Space 9 and Insecure). Maia De Zan Hatch, an award-winning editor and designer had recently moved to Los Angeles from Panama when the two were introduced in 2015. As Associate Director, De Zan Hatch works with Carrasco to curate content and develop alliances between Panamanian and US filmmakers. She also leads social media and design initiatives.

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The smooth part is that we always get to celebrate amazing work and have fun with really creative people. The challenges are part and parcel of the film festival journey. It is challenging to get the funding needed to really support the entirety of what is possible — we have a small but mighty volunteer crew — and we’re grateful for our sponsors and a grant from the California Arts Council. We want  to provide exposure to as many films as possible and bring a great group of industry audiences and community audiences together for a wonderful experience. PanaFest is a celebration of cinema, culture and community. We involve arts beyond film — music, visual arts, performance art. Another challenge is to get people to understand how vibrant the Latinx community is and how diverse. Panama is a perfect representation of that reality — as Panamanians are everyone — Black, Chinese, Indian, Indigenous, White, Jewish, you name it and they can be Panamanian — and, because of the Canal, it is a thoroughfare for everyone. Panama’s motto is “el puente del mundo, corazon del universo” (bridge of the world, heart of the universe). That’s how we want people to feel when they spend their time with us at the Festival — and we want them to take that feeling away as they better understand the vibrant diversity of Latinos from all over the world including right here in the US — a part of the Americas.

Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Panamanian International Film Festival In Los Angeles – what should we know?
This year, it’s happening October 18, 19^th, and 20^th at The Downtown Independent. The actual programming is being worked on but we are known for curating a collection of short films, docs, and features that are really reflective of the diverse stories Latinx storytellers want to tell and everyone needs to watch. We look for work that defies stereotypes, that is innovative and inclusive, and that makes a statement that can move people to act. That can mean generating laughter or tears or introducing a new perspective or a new reflection on a problem. The stories can be quiet, small and intimate. They can be loud and in your face. They can be in English, Spanish or both. There have been some in Indigenous languages. Our content sets us apart as does the event’s house-party vibe that encourages everyone to interact and celebrate together. We have reunited old friends, met new friends, and created new collaborations, all in the lobby of our event. There’s also an educational component. Craft talks highlight topics of value to writers, editors, talent, and those interested in film in any role. Five years is something to celebrate — it means we’re doing something right.

Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
It’s a mash-up of: Resilience. A sense of humor. Curiosity. Innovation. Respect. Drive. Fluidity. Empathy. Courage. Vulnerability.

Contact Info:

• Website: PIFFLA.com
• Email: pifflosangeles@gmail.com
• Instagram: @pifflosangeles
• Facebook: Panamanian Film Festival in Los Angeles
• Twitter: @pifflosangeles

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