CBH Hosts the 2025 Liberación Film Festival: Two Days of Films, Music, and Conversation | Day 1
The Center for Brooklyn History is excited to partner with the Afrolatino Festival of New York and the Afrolatin@ Project for the return of the Liberación Film Festival. This year’s focus is on Panamá and the United States, highlighting stories of resilience, activism, and cultural pride.
To learn about and register for Day 2, click here.
As Panamá and the Panamá Canal have reemerged as top geopolitical interests for the United States, join us for two historical stories of individuals whose global impact continues to resonate today. We are excited to present the New York Premiere of the documentary short Cirilo (2025) and the U.S. Premiere of the documentary feature, El Hijo de Tigre y Mula (2025). A post-screening talkback will follow.
5:30 PM - Join Panamanian saxophonist Leonard Daniels, Sr. on the Center for Brooklyn History patio as you arrive, with music that sets a reflective and celebratory tone.
6:00 PM - Screening of Cirilo (2025, 25 min). Directed by Justin Cooper, this film tells the story of Cirilo McSween, an Afro-Panamanian who migrated to the United States during the Jim Crow era. His journey from poverty to becoming a prominent activist in Chicago and a key but hidden figure in the history of US-Panama relations will resonate with many and speaks to the experience of many Panamanian-Americans in Brooklyn. This narrative serves as a tribute to the resilience, geopolitical participation and organization success of the diaspora.
6:25 PM - Screening of El Hijo de Tigre y Mula (2025, 105 min) Director Annie Canavaggio’s documentary feature provides historical context surrounding the Torrijos-Carter negotiations that led to the return of the Panama Canal Zone, a critical event of particular importance to both the U.S. and Panamá. The film underscores the legacy of the Panamá Canal Zone, the contemporary geopolitical connections between the two countries, and illuminates the historical backdrop that has influenced a generation.
The screenings will be followed by a moderated talkback including questions from the audience.
This two-day series is presented in collaboration with the Afrolatino Festival of New York and the Afrolatin@ Project, and in partnership the Day of Independence Committee for Panamanians in New York in honor of the 30th anniversary of the annual Panamanian Day Parade in Brooklyn, the largest parade of its kind outside of Panamá.
About the Liberación Film Festival
The Liberación Film Festival is dedicated to showcasing the vibrant and multifaceted narratives of the African and Latin diaspora. The Festival produces and curates screenings of powerful films that explore the histories, contributions and triumphs of the Afro-Latin American diaspora.
Now in its 5th year, the festival returns for four days: the two nights of in-person events at CBH on October 7 and 8, followed by two days of virtual programs on October 9 and 10.
A vital platform for historical inquiry, cultural preservation, and community building, the Festival has previously been recognized and hosted by some of New York City's most esteemed cultural and research institutions including the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, Abrons Arts Center, Teatro Latea at the Clemente Soto, and the Brooklyn Museum.
Participants
