A DOCUMENTARY FILM       

‍WHAT DOES IT TAKE FOR A LIVING CULTURAL TRADITION TO ENDURE  for more than FIVE centuries?

Danza con Diablos is an observational documentary exploring Panama's extraordinary devil dances. Filmed over eight years (2016-2023), the project follows the artisans, musicians, historians, families, and community leaders who have devoted their lives to stewarding this living heritage. More than performances of the past, these vibrant celebrations reveal how cultural identity is carried forward from one generation to the next, shaped by folklore, faith, and collective memory.

BEYOND THE FILM
BEYOND THE FILM

The impact of Danza con Diablos extends far beyond the screen. What began with a documentary evolved into a catalyst for cultural connection, preservation, and renewed visibility.

The impact of Danza con Diablos extends far beyond the screen. What began with a documentary evolved into a catalyst for cultural connection, preservation, and renewed visibility.

A Living archive

The documentary also chronicles the creation of a bilingual Spanish-English coffee table book, featuring original photography, historical research, and firsthand stories shared by the communities themselves.

Created alongside the film over the course of eight years, the book is both a companion to the film, and a lasting visual and written record of these living traditions for future generations.

Danza con Diablos is an observational documentary exploring Panama's extraordinary devil dances. Filmed over eight years (2016-2023), the project follows artisans, musicians, historians, families, and community leaders who have devoted their lives to stewarding this living heritage. More than performances of the past, these vibrant celebrations reveal how cultural identity is carried forward from one generation to the next, shaped by folklore, faith, and collective memory.

EL GRAN DESFILE

Through years of research and relationships built during filming, communities across Panama began discovering one another in new ways.

In August 2026, representatives from the country's diverse devil dance manifestations gathered together for the first time on one stage to participate in Danzas de Diablos: El Gran Desfile, an unprecedented gathering in celebration of Panama's shared cultural heritage.

MEET THE FILMMAKERS
MEET THE FILMMAKERS
LUIS CARLOS García

DIRECTOR | EXECUTIVE PRODUCER

Luis Carlos García is a Panamanian photographer and documentarian with nearly 30 years of experience in the visual arts and advertising industries. He spent a significant portion of his career living abroad, including a seven-year stay in France, which allowed him to travel the world photographing diverse cultures and traditions. His lens has captured work for internationally renowned brands and organizations such as Smithsonian, National Geographic, Discovery Channel, Unicef, the Lyon Opera, and Adidas.

As the visionary director of Danza con Diablos, García merges his international expertise with a profound interest in rediscovering his Panamanian roots. His professional history also includes collaborations on productions such as Historias del Canal, Survivor, and Proyecto 48, as well as work with the artist Rubén Blades. His current work seeks to serve as a bridge between the past and the present, using photography and film to preserve traditions at risk of extinction.

CO-DIRECTOR | SCRIPTWRITER

JAN VALDés

Jan Valdés is the scriptwriter and co-director of the project, as well as an experienced creative director passionate about storytelling. Like his colleagues, he possesses more than 20 years of professional experience in the creative industries. His storytelling ability has earned him industry recognition, accumulating 13 awards at prestigious international festivals such as FIAP, JADE, and CARIBE.

In both the commercial and social sectors, Valdés has worked for global brands including Toyota, SONY, Nestlé, HSBC, and Movistar Telefónica. His professional commitment also extends to the humanitarian sector, having collaborated with international organizations and NGOs such as the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Unicef. In Danza con Diablos, he provides his literary and creative expertise to structure the documentary's investigation and message.

José Antonio Tuñón

DP | AUDIOVISUAL PRODUCER

José Antonio Tuñón serves as an audiovisual producer and director of photography, with a solid professional trajectory spanning over two decades in the visual sector. He is recognized for having an excellent technical eye, which has allowed him to lead the production of complex, high-impact projects. His experience encompasses the commercial realm as well as large-scale documentary and entertainment productions.

His career is highlighted by extensive participation in top-tier international projects for networks such as CBS, ABC, TNT, and Discovery Channel. Among his most notable credits are productions such as The Amazing Race, Prison Break 4, Naked and Afraid, The Hero, Survivor: The Raft, and Deal or No Deal Island. Additionally, he contributed his expertise to the realization of the documentary on the Panama Canal.

HOST A SCREENING

Bring Danza con Diablos to your campus, museum, festival, or community to create the opportunity for meaningful dialogue around cultural heritage, identity, storytelling, and the importance of preserving living traditions.

Screenings may include a moderated conversation, Q&A, or special appearance by filmmaker Luis Carlos García, depending on location and availability.

PRESS & recognition
production partners

Bring Danza con Diablos to your campus, museum, festival or community to create the opportunity for meaningful dialogue around cultural heritage, identity, storytelling, and the importance of preserving living traditions.

Screenings may include a moderated conversation, Q&A, or special appearance by filmmaker Luis Carlos García, depending on location and availability.

DANZA CON DIABLOS
A DOCUMENTARY FILM

GENERAL INQUIRIES
FILM@DANZACONDIABLOS.COM