Actress and cultural promoter Ana Ivanova Villagra Lovera will posthumously be awarded the title of Master of Arts by the Paraguayan National Congress. This will happen on Wednesday June 4. Ivanova, who passed away on March 17 at age 51, gained international recognition for her role in Marcelo Martinessi’s acclaimed film Las Herederas (The Heiresses), and dedicated over two decades to advancing Paraguay’s cultural landscape through theatre, film, and education.
Born on 25th June 1973, she launched her acting career in 1999 after graduating from the Asunción Municipal School of Dramatic Arts.
The prestigious award, given by the Centro Cultural de la República El Cabildo, represents one of Paraguay’s highest artistic prizes. It follows a campaign by colleagues, friends, and family members, who launched a petition through get this tribute. Ana Ivanova’s close associates note that her nearly three-decade career in the performing arts has been remarkable. And that her consistent commitment to social causes, including the defence of human and cultural rights has never faltered.
International recognition through film
Ana Ivanova’s breakthrough performance came in 2018 when she portrayed Angy in Las Herederas. This role earned her international acclaim at the Berlin International Film Festival and numerous other international cinema events. The performance secured her the Best Actress award at Brazil’s prestigious Festival Internacional de Cine de Gramado. This established her as one of Paraguay’s most internationally recognised performers.
Throughout her career, Ivanova appeared in 7 feature films and more than 40 short films.
Educational and cultural legacy
Beyond her screen performances, Ivanova dedicated considerable effort to cultural education and promotion. She conducted acting workshops throughout Paraguay’s interior regions and the Ministry of Education formally recognised her expertise by appointing her as an assessor in artistic areas.
Continuing tributes for Ana Ivanova
The congressional recognition represents one element of ongoing commemorative activities. A street library will be inaugurated on June 38 at the intersection of 33 Orientales and Azara streets, positioned opposite a garden that Ivanova cultivated and cherished. The European Union dedicated its 2025 European Film Cycle to her memory, whilst the Paraguayan Theatre Centre organised a special day during Theatre Week.
The award will be presented to Ivanova’s mother, with performing arts colleagues attending the ceremony. This recognition ensures her contributions to culture, education, and social justice will be officially preserved for future generations.
Those wishing to share memories or works related to Ana Ivanova may contact poesiaparana@gmail.com for inclusion in commemorative collections. For further information about the recognition ceremony, contact Silvia Navarro at 0981528141, or Álvaro Giménez at 0981818378.
