Brief Filmography

1996
Directs, produces and does the camera for the documentary Isabel De Obaldía.

1997-1998
Directs, writes and produces El mandado/ The errand. Short fiction filmed In 16mm.  This short participates in various International festivals.  It is the first Panamanian production finished in celluloid,  in over 30 years and the first one ever produced and directed by a woman.

1998
Directs writes and is executive producer of the documentary, El corazón de las mujeres de piedra /The heart of the stone women.  This is a video piece commissioned by the NGO Fundamujer which worked for women’s rights and empowerment in Panama. Years later Ortega Heilbron becomes an active member of this foundation.

1999
Directs, writes and is executive producer of the short, Sacrifictum, which deals with the abuse on women.  Short participates in various international Film Festivals and is a finalist in the Cuban Film Festival.

2000
Directs, edits and produces the documentary  Patria Grande,   commissioned by the Panamanian Government.

2000-2008
Started and finished her first feature length documentary, THE FISTS OF A NATION (LOS PUÑOS DE UNA NACION) which won best documentary in the Latin American Film Festival Cinesul Brazil, 2006 and Best production in the Icaro Central American Film Festival in Guatemala. It also won special jury mention in The Latin American Film Festival in Lyon, France and in the Festival of The Americas in Austin , Texas,  it also wins special Jury Award in Mexico’s Doc Fest.  These awards were earned in 2008. In 2009, Fists of a Nation is included in the list of the 50 most important films of the last 40 years of spanish speaking cinema.  The film has been official selection of several film festivals world wide.

2009
Ms. Heilbron is presently working on her latest documentary, La Ruta.