August 7, 5:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. – 2014 American Film Showcase Program – Films and Discussion

The U.S. Embassy in Panama has been selected to participate in the 2014 American Film Showcase Program.  The American Film Showcase (AFS) is a major touring film program bringing American documentaries, feature films, and animated shorts to audiences worldwide. AFS is a partnership between the Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and University of Southern California’s School of Cinematic Arts.

As part of this program, the U.S. Embassy will be bringing documentary filmmaker, Bess Kargman, and film expert and filmmaker, Marilyn Agrelo, to Boquete to screen and discuss the following films:

Coach is a short documentary directed by Bess Kargman about C. Vivian Stringer, one of the most prolific coaches in the history of women’s college basketball. (17 minutes)  Here is a link for the trailer for this film: http://americanfilmshowcase.usc.edu/coach/

Mad Hot Ballroom is a documentary directed by Marilyn Agrelo about the students of several New York City elementary schools who learn ballroom dancing and compete in a citywide dance competition. (105 minutes)  Here is a link for the trailer for this film: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-rlJuTC637c

Ms. Kargman and Ms. Stringer will be with us at the Biblioteca de Boquete for the screenings and will lead the discussion after the screenings.  Ms. Agrelo will also discuss documentary filmmaking in the United States and the short film industry in general.  The presentations will be in English, but Shaleen M. White de Bravo, Cultural Affairs Specialist from the United States Embassy in Panama, will be available to translate if needed. This event is free of cost and open to the general public. The films are suitable for all ages.