In mid-November, the Paraguayan National Audiovisual Institute (INAP) announced the projects selected for public funding, as part of its ongoing efforts to strengthen and expand Paraguay’s film landscape. In this second call of the year, eight projects were chosen across several categories, with more than Gs. 5 billion (approximately US$700,000) allocated.
This marks the second competitive round of public audiovisual funding in 2025. The first competition selected 12 projects out of 57 applications. Both calls incorporated the Environmental Responsibility Plan, prioritising sustainability-focused submissions. Among the evaluation criteria were scripts with environmental themes, recycling strategies, efficient mobility, and reuse of production materials.
In 2025, INAP set two strategic priorities. First, decentralising audiovisual production, encouraging companies outside Asunción to participate. Second, promoting diversity, with incentives for women-led projects and productions involving people with disabilities. While the first call was funded entirely by INAP, the second became possible due to an expanded institutional budget.
National projects selected
A total of 28 projects competed, with eight meeting all technical and thematic requirements. Categories included Feature Film, Feature-length Documentary, and Series.
For Feature Film
- “La Guerra de las Mujeres” (The War of the Women)
Selected for its historical drama. With a prominent authorial voice and focus on the fate of women as a reflection on the future of humanity. Film by Andrea Gandolfo. - “Soledad” (Solitude)
Valued for its lyricism, psychological depth, and originality. Starting from the Paraguayan–Guaraní universe, by Planeador Producción y Comunicación S.A. - “El Pozo” (The Pit)
Notable for its metaphor of resilience, narrative austerity, and dramatic solidity, by Nova Productora Audiovisual. - History of Paraguayan Cinema – Volume 1
Chosen for its meta-filmic contribution and its homage to the national cinematic heritage. Film by Juan José Pereira.
Other Projects
- “Ojos Rojos” (Red Eyes)
Recognised for its thriller with original plot and effective narrative twists, by Diego Maldonado. - “Ignacio”
Chosen for its childlike perspective on the horrors of war in a choral historical drama by Su Imagen Films.
Feature-length Documentary
- Examination of Paraguay
Notable for its historical exploration based on declassified 20th-century archives and its solid international track record, by Ivana Gisela Urízar.
Series
- “DT: La victoria” (Manager: The victory)
Chosen for its female-focused sports comedy, attractive market-ready format, and potential for international co-production, by ACHEDOSOH S.A. - “Solo por unos días” (Just for a few days)
Selected for its fast-paced, commercial sitcom with regional appeal by HEY NETWORK S.A.
INAP stated: “With this decision, INAP completes the final stage of the selection process and advances with the planned schedule for the documentary presentation of awarded projects, reaffirming its commitment to transparency, the strengthening of the sector, and the sustained growth of the Paraguayan audiovisual industry.”
Growth and strengthening of the national film industry
Public funding remains one of the essential tools for the consolidation of Paraguay’s audiovisual ecosystem. Through grants, competitions, and institutional awards, INAP seeks to establish a film industry that is nationally rooted, internationally connected, and capable of creating long-term professional opportunities.
In 2025, for example, the launch of the First National Screenplay Award became a milestone aimed at recognising and encouraging Paraguayan screenwriters. In parallel, INAP continues to support training, capacity-building, and the development of regional audiovisual hubs.
A sector entering a new phase
As these results demonstrate, Paraguay’s film sector is no longer an emerging curiosity. Nowadays, the field is steadily consolidating the cultural industry. Mostly shaped by the ambitions of its creators and the commitment of its institutions. Year after year, more projects find their way to the screen, more stories gain visibility, and more professionals strengthen their craft.
With initiatives such as these, INAP is not only financing individual films. The institution is building the foundations of a future in which Paraguayan cinema stands as a confident, diverse, and internationally connected force. One capable of representing its people, its history, and its imagination with renewed clarity and pride.
