Me dicen el Panzer: A Film Celebrating Rommel Fernández’s Legacy in Panama and Tenerife

The film Me dicen el Panzer explores the remarkable journey of Rommel Fernández, who transitioned from being affectionately known as ‘Cabezón’ in his hometown of Chorrillo, Panama, to becoming a celebrated figure at CD Tenerife, where he earned the nickname ‘Panzer.’ This cinematic tribute aims to honor the legacy of Fernández, the first Panamanian footballer to achieve success in Europe, who tragically passed away in a car accident at the young age of 27.

Co-produced by Panama and Spain, the film is currently being presented at the Espacio Price during the Canary Islands International Film Market (CIIF Market). It seeks to highlight the humility, passion, and humanity of a player who remains a beloved figure in Tenerife, particularly remembered for his remarkable goals scored from challenging distances.

Rediscovering a Forgotten Legacy

In a conversation with EFE, Jairo Ramos, the film’s producer and co-writer, shared that the project took nearly nine years to come to fruition. The inspiration stemmed from a realization that Rommel Fernández’s story had been largely forgotten in Panama, with many unaware of his true impact. Ramos noted, “We began to research and discovered a dreamer, a family man, a good neighbor. Everyone spoke of him fondly, but there was almost nothing: no archives, no photos, no newspaper clippings from his time in Panama. In his country, his figure remained alive only in the stories from his neighborhood.”

A Personal and Relatable Narrative

The film presents an intimate portrayal of Rommel, primarily constructed through oral histories from those who knew him, while avoiding idolization. It begins at the pivotal moment when Rommel turns 17, faced with the choice between supporting his family and pursuing his football dreams. This decision ultimately leads him from humble beginnings to becoming a symbol of hope for the island, especially following Tenerife’s promotion to Spain’s First Division, a feat he significantly contributed to.

Ramos elaborated on the film’s title, explaining that it reflects Rommel’s transformation: “In Panama, he was known as Cabezón, but in Tenerife, he becomes El Panzer. This change in nickname speaks to who you are, who you become, and how you transcend.”

Building Community Connections

During the research phase, the team uncovered numerous anecdotes that illustrated Rommel’s character and his deep connections with the Tenerife community. Ramos recounted how Rommel lived just two blocks from the stadium and often took hours to arrive because he would stop to chat with fans. He was known for his generosity, allowing children into the stadium and stating, “If they can’t enter, I won’t play.”

The script, developed collaboratively with the director, emphasizes Rommel’s familial bonds and his ability to inspire those around him. Ramos remarked, “Rommel gave hope back to this island, beyond Tenerife’s promotion.”

Capturing the Essence of the 1980s

Filming took place in both Panama and Tenerife, with a focus on authentically recreating the 1980s. The production team aimed to pay homage to the era by accurately depicting the neighborhood, music, and sounds of that time. They even constructed a replica of Rommel’s childhood home in Chorrillo within a studio. To enhance authenticity, many non-professional actors from Chorrillo were cast, most of whom had no prior experience in film.

Ramos reflected on the film’s heroes, stating, “The heroes are the people of the neighborhood, those who existed or still exist. Rommel was one of them, a hero without a cape. He never realized the impact of his actions nor the legacy he left.”

A Story That Resonates Universally

Initially conceived as an independent project, the film has evolved into a collective endeavor. It has premiered at the International Film Festival in India, participated in festivals across Italy and France, and is scheduled to appear at Ibero-American film events in Miami and Vienna. Associate producer Viviana Caló noted that the film’s narrative transcends geographical boundaries: “In France, no one knew who Rommel Fernández was, but everyone understood the story. It’s an auteur film with a universal message: it speaks of humility, sacrifice, and overcoming challenges… You don’t need to know him to feel moved.”

Marco Toledo, another producer from La Chola Creativa, highlighted the irony that the project mirrors Rommel’s own life, describing it as “a journey of collective effort, beautiful and human.” The film is set to have its first screening in Tenerife during a private event at the CIIF Market, with hopes for a broader release in local cinemas, aiming to secure its place in the history of both Tenerife and Panama.

Key points

• The film Me dicen el Panzer explores the life of Rommel Fernández, a prominent Panamanian footballer.
• Fernández was known as ‘Cabezón’ in Panama and ‘Panzer’ in Tenerife.
• The film is a co-production between Panama and Spain and is featured at the CIIF Market.
• It took nine years to develop the film, highlighting Fernández’s overlooked legacy.
• The narrative is based on oral accounts and focuses on Rommel’s community connections.
• The film recreates the 1980s with non-professional actors from Chorrillo.
• It has premiered at various international film festivals and aims for a wider release.