A reflection on trauma, memory, and reconciliation. Tropical Paradise, a psychological docu-thriller, delves into the still-unanswered questions surrounding a terrorist attack that took place in Panama in 1994, and examines—through meticulous investigative journalism and personal testimonies—how the shockwaves of violence continue to shape the lives of its survivors.
Founded in 2004 by Abner Benaim in Panama, Apertura Films is an independent production company specializing in fiction and documentary films.
Our projects include titles such as Plaza Catedral (Netflix), shortlisted for the 2022 Academy Awards; Invasion ,Panama’s first-ever submission to the Academy Awards ; Chance (HBO), one of the highest-grossing films in Panamanian history; and Yo No Me Llamo Ruben Blades (HBO), selected to represent Panama at the Academy Awards, the Goya Awards, and the Platino Awards, and winner of the Audience Award at South by Southwest.
We have just premiered Tropical Paradise at SBIFF, and we are currently in production on La Vida Simple.