Asunción will host the opening of the Mercosur-EU Film Showcase, Cultura que conecta (Culture That Connects), on Tuesday, 3 November 2026. The free event will feature Los Tesoros Desconocidos de Paraguay (Paraguay’s Unknown Treasures), a Paraguayan-German documentary, at 19:00. The screening will take place at the Centro Cultural del Puerto, with advance registration required.
Directed by German filmmaker Christopher Zahlten, the documentary features two episodes exploring Paraguay’s Eastern Region and the Gran Chaco. The screening opens a programme featuring seven films from South America and Europe, running until 13 November 2026.
Paraguay’s natural and historical heritage
The documentary comprises two episodes: Paraísos y misterios (Paradises and Mysteries) and En el corazón del Gran Chaco (In the Heart of the Gran Chaco). The first explores Paraguay’s Eastern Region, while the second focuses on the western part of the country. The Eastern Region episode visits the Mbaracayú Nature Reserve, the Jesuit missions and the Saltos del Monday waterfalls.
The Chaco episode explores an ecosystem characterised by extreme temperatures, thorn forests and seasonal salt lagoons. Its wildlife includes anteaters, boas and the rarely observed Burmeister’s armadillo. The documentary follows scientists studying threatened species and conservation efforts to protect fragile habitats. It also examines the coexistence of Indigenous communities, cattle ranchers and Mennonite settlers.
Seven films from South America and Europe
The showcase brings together audiovisual productions from Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay, France, Spain, Italy and Portugal. The programme includes documentaries, dramas and thrillers presented at different cultural venues in Asunción.
On Wednesday, 4 November, the Instituto Cultural Paraguayo-Alemán will screen Eureka, a French-Argentine production directed by Lisandro Alonso. The following evening, Teatro Tom Jobim will host El Empleado y el Patrón (The Employee and the Boss). The film is a co-production involving Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay and France.
The programme continues on 6 November with El Mensaje (The Message), an Argentine, Spanish and Uruguayan co-production. After the weekend, audiences can watch Bosco on 9 November and Manas on 10 November. The Spanish-Argentine thriller El Corredor Nocturno (The Night Runner) will close the showcase on 13 November.
How to attend the opening screening
The Mercosur-EU film showcase begins at 19:00 on Tuesday, 3 November 2026, at the Centro Cultural del Puerto in Asunción. Admission is free, but advance registration is required. Visitors can consult the Instituto Cultural Paraguayo-Alemán’s event page for further details.
The official registration form allows visitors to register for the opening screening. The embassies of Mercosur countries, Paraguay’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the European Union Delegation organise the showcase. Paraguay’s National Audiovisual Institute and National Secretariat of Culture support the initiative.
