Interview with Dr. Anna Chacón, Producer of America’s Dermatologist

Dr Anna Chacón, welcome to the World Film Festival in Cannes. Please accept all congratulations on being a finalist in our competition. Can you tell us how you were inspired to run in our independent film festival? May we ask how you heard about us?/h6>

Thank you, it is truly an honor to be recognized by the World Film Festival in Cannes. America’s Dermatologist was created to tell a human story through the lens of medicine, and independent film festivals provide a space where stories with heart and purpose can be seen and felt.

I was inspired to submit the film because Cannes represents artistic excellence and global dialogue, which aligns with the message of the project. I learned about the festival through the independent film community and felt it was the perfect platform to share a story centered on empathy, resilience, and patient advocacy.

In your opinion, what are the main differences between the medical industry and medical practice in the US and in Europe?

One of the key differences lies in structure and access. In the United States, medicine is deeply intertwined with insurance systems and administrative processes, which can sometimes create barriers to timely care. In many European countries, healthcare systems are more centralized and focused on universal access, allowing for more continuity of care. That said, the U.S. leads in medical innovation and technology. I believe the future lies in combining innovation with accessibility, efficiency, and compassion—regardless of geography.

How and why did you decide to settle down and open your practice in the Sunshine State?

Florida is incredibly diverse, vibrant, and dynamic, qualities that resonate with both my personal and professional values. The Sunshine State is home to a multicultural population with a wide range of dermatologic needs, from complex medical conditions to skin cancer prevention in a sun-intense environment. Opening my practice here allowed me to serve a broad community while also embracing innovation, particularly in teledermatology.

You speak five languages. What are they, apart from the American English and Spanish, that are widely spoken in the USA and Florida in particular? Does your special language competency bring about added value and open up wider perspectives in your trade and your relationship to your patients?

In addition to English and Spanish, I speak French, Italian, and Portuguese. Florida, in particular, is linguistically rich, and language can be a powerful bridge or a barrier in healthcare. Being able to communicate directly with patients in their native language builds trust, improves understanding, and leads to better outcomes. It allows me to see patients not just clinically, but culturally and emotionally as well.

Can you tell us more about your approach to dermatology and teledermatology, and what makes it groundbreaking? Can your offering relieve what seems to be an insufficient dermatological medicine coverage in the USA? Have the needs for teledermatology been revealed by COVID?

My approach is rooted in accessibility, precision, and empathy. Teledermatology has allowed me to reach patients who might otherwise wait months or travel hours for care. It has been especially transformative for underserved and rural populations. COVID-19 accelerated the need for remote care, but it also revealed how effective and necessary teledermatology truly is. When done thoughtfully, it expands access without sacrificing quality.

Your short film, particularly the story of Jacob Edwards and Kimura’s disease, highlights a deeply empathetic approach to medicine and patient rapport. Can you tell us more about that?

Empathy is not an accessory to medicine; it is its foundation. Jacob’s story represents countless patients living with rare or misunderstood conditions who often feel unseen. America’s Dermatologist was created to give voice to those experiences. Listening, validating, and advocating for patients is just as important as diagnosing and treating disease. That human connection is what defines my work and what I hope audiences take away from the film.

Short statement describing your vision of the post-covid cinema, do you think there will be notable changes?

As a finalist at the World Film Festival in Cannes, I see post-COVID cinema entering a period of renewal and innovation. Audiences are seeking stories that resonate on a human level, and filmmakers are embracing new formats, hybrid distribution, and digital platforms to reach viewers worldwide. I believe cinema will become more inclusive, adaptive, and empathetic, while retaining its power to unite people through storytelling.

©2026 Isabelle Rouault-Röhlich