Paraguay’s international film presence continues to grow as Under the Flags, the Sun builds on its early success with new recognition in the Ibero-American film circuit. The documentary, directed by Juanjo Pereira, has now been named a finalist for Best Documentary at the Platino Awards 2026, marking a significant step forward for the country’s audiovisual industry.
From Berlin triumph to Platino Awards recognition
The film first drew global attention at the Berlin International Film Festival in February 2025, where it won the FIPRESCI Prize in the Panorama section. Since then, it has continued to circulate widely across major festivals, including Thessaloniki, Buenos Aires, and Lima. It also appeared at the San Sebastián International Film Festival and the International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam.
Now, its selection as a Platino Awards finalist introduces the film to a broader Ibero-American audience. The awards ceremony will take place on 9 May in Riviera Maya, Mexico, placing Paraguay alongside some of the region’s most prominent productions.
The role of public funding in film success
One of the most notable developments behind the film’s trajectory is the role of sustained state support. Under the Flags, the Sun was awarded funding through the 2022 competitive grants of the Paraguayan National Audiovisual Institute, where it received the Jury Prize. This backing proved essential in moving the project from development to completion.
In addition, the Fondo Nacional de la Cultura y las Artes supported the documentary at multiple stages. Initial development funding was granted in 2021, followed by post-production assistance in 2024. In 2025, further support enabled the film’s international circulation, including its participation in San Sebastián.
A film that reconstructs lost memory
The 90-minute documentary explores the legacy of the dictatorship of Alfredo Stroessner through archival footage sourced from eleven countries. Due to the destruction of much of Paraguay’s audiovisual heritage in 1989, Pereira reconstructed a fragmented historical narrative using materials found across Europe, Asia, and the Americas.
Rather than presenting a single version of events, the film adopts an experimental approach. The documentary encourages viewers to reflect on how people remember and reinterpret history. Its multilingual format, including Spanish, Guaraní, and English, further reinforces its global scope.
A milestone for Paraguayan cinema
The documentary’s growing list of achievements signals a turning point for the national film industry. Beyond individual success, it demonstrates how coordinated efforts between filmmakers and public institutions can elevate Paraguayan stories to international prominence. As the awards season progresses, Under the Flags, the Sun stands as evidence of a developing, globally engaged audiovisual sector in Paraguay.
