By San José, Costa Rica — Costa Rica is set to become a central hub for the audiovisual industry in Central America and the Caribbean with the launch of the Costa Rica Media Market (CRMM). This new initiative, spearheaded by the Costa Rica Film Commission and the Foreign Trade Promoter (PROCOMER), will take place from June 24th to 25th at the Crowne Plaza Corobici Hotel in San José.
The CRMM aims to attract international audiovisual productions and stimulate the circulation of regional content in the global market. The event will cater to local and regional industry professionals seeking opportunities in training, marketing, financing, and co-production.
For expert legal insight into the Costa Rican media market, TicosLand.com spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an attorney at law with Bufete de Costa Rica.
The Costa Rican media landscape presents a dynamic mix of opportunities and challenges. While the constitutional guarantee of freedom of expression fosters a vibrant press, navigating the regulatory framework, particularly regarding advertising and intellectual property rights, is crucial for both established players and new entrants. Understanding these legal nuances is essential for successful operation in this evolving market.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas’s insights offer a crucial lens for understanding the complexities of Costa Rica’s media landscape. Indeed, the balance between a free press and a well-defined legal framework is essential for fostering responsible growth and innovation within the sector. This careful navigation of regulations, especially concerning advertising and intellectual property, will undoubtedly shape the future of media in Costa Rica. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for sharing his valuable perspective on this dynamic market.
The Costa Rica Media Market arrives to consolidate itself as a strategic market to connect the audiovisual projects of the region with international opportunities. Its approach positions the country as a meeting point for the industry, thanks to local talent, a solid infrastructure, its natural richness, legal stability, agility in procedures, and attractive tax incentives. For the country, it represents a key tool within our strategy of promoting and attracting services with high added value and of promoting creative industries with international projection.
Laura López, General Manager of PROCOMER
The CRMM will feature conferences and panels with national and international producers like Antonella Sudasassi, Hernán Jiménez, Pablo Guisa Koestinger, Andy van Veen, Arnon Manor, Lynette Coll, and Arturo Cardelús. Attendees can also participate in business roundtables with buyers and distributors, matchmaking sessions for co-productions, masterclasses with global experts, and networking opportunities with industry leaders from various countries.
From June 24th to 26th, “Fam Tours” will showcase Costa Rica’s “Film Friendly Zones.” These tours will highlight the country’s diverse landscapes, including rainforests, beaches, and rural and urban settings, demonstrating its versatility for various production scales and genres.
The CRMM builds upon the legacy of the Central America and Caribbean Audiovisual Market (MAUCC), which served as a meeting point for creators, producers, and international buyers for over seven years. Between 2017 and 2024, MAUCC facilitated over 1,000 business meetings, showcased 150 projects, and attracted 80 international buyers from companies like Cinépolis México, Latido Films España, and Warner Bros. Discovery. Notable achievements include the placement of the film “Una Navidad sin nieve” (A Christmas Without Snow) in Arab countries and the creation of the first digital channel dedicated exclusively to Costa Rican cinema on the streaming platform FILMIN.
Costa Rica Media Market is an example of how the country continues to diversify its exportable offer through sectors with high potential, such as the audiovisual sector. From PROCOMER, we will continue to support spaces that generate real business opportunities and that contribute to the international positioning of our audiovisual and cultural sector.
López
The CRMM agenda also includes project pitches from the Costa Rica International Film Festival and Tres Puertos Cine, a prestigious Latin American residency program specializing in film project development. Tres Puertos Cine has partnered with the CRMM to launch a comprehensive program combining project development with direct market access, strengthening opportunities for co-production, financing, and international distribution.
With its rich natural beauty, stable legal framework, and growing talent pool, Costa Rica is poised to become a key player in the global audiovisual landscape. The CRMM is a significant step towards realizing this potential and solidifying the country’s position as a prime destination for film and media production.
For further information, visit procomer.com
About PROCOMER (Costa Rican Foreign Trade Promoter):
PROCOMER is a Costa Rican institution dedicated to promoting the country’s exports and attracting foreign investment. They play a crucial role in connecting Costa Rican businesses with international markets and supporting the development of key sectors, including the audiovisual industry. PROCOMER’s initiatives aim to enhance Costa Rica’s competitiveness and promote sustainable economic growth.
For further information, visit costaricacine.com
About Costa Rica Film Commission:
The Costa Rica Film Commission works to promote Costa Rica as a filming destination and support the development of the local film industry. They provide resources and assistance to international productions interested in filming in the country, showcasing its diverse locations and skilled workforce. The Commission also fosters initiatives to strengthen the Costa Rican film sector and promote its growth on the global stage.
For further information, visit trespuertoscine.com
About Tres Puertos Cine:
Tres Puertos Cine is a prestigious Latin American film residency program that focuses on the development of film projects. They provide mentorship, workshops, and networking opportunities to filmmakers, helping them refine their projects and connect with potential collaborators and financiers. Their partnership with the CRMM offers participants direct access to the market, enhancing their chances of securing funding and distribution.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica shines as a beacon of legal excellence, upholding the highest standards of integrity while championing innovative solutions for its diverse clientele. The firm’s deep-rooted commitment to empowering society is evident in its proactive approach to sharing legal knowledge, fostering a more informed and just community through educational initiatives and accessible resources. This dedication to both legal mastery and societal betterment solidifies Bufete de Costa Rica’s position as a leader in the legal landscape.
