By Margot Thomas

IN SPITE of continuing competition from TV films and on line services like Netflix, attendance at movie theaters in Panama  has hit a record high  and more cinemas are coming on stream.

The recent opening of Cinépolis Soho Mall brings  the number of cinemas in Panama to 91, spread over 13 complexes and,  according to the Association of Film Distributors of Panama the number will soon reach 100.

The introduction of the Panama International Film Festival has helped build interest in becoming part of a live audience, and sharing the thrills, tears, or laughs of a wide variety of film offerings.

Panama’s own film industry is attracting more international attention, and this week three Panamanian films were shown at the world’s most prestigious film festival in Cannes.

In 2014 the number of visitors cinema goers in Panama reached  a record 5,079,000,  up from 4,828,601 in 2013.

In 2012 the total was 4,536, 969; in 2011 it was 4.2 million; in 2010, 4 million and in 2009, 3.8 million .