By San José, Costa Rica — Costa Rica has taken a decisive step toward establishing itself as a modern hub for creative and technological industries in Latin America. The Ministry of Culture and Youth (MCJ) officially established the new Film and Audiovisual Council of the Costa Rican Film and Audiovisual Center (CCCA). This milestone marks the formal implementation of Law No. 10657, known as the Film and Audiovisual Law, which aims to reshape how the nation supports, funds, and scales its creative talent on both regional and global stages.
The creation of this governing body represents a significant modernization of the country’s regulatory framework for the arts. By formalizing this administrative structure through Administrative Resolution No. MCJ-DM-318-2026, signed on August 24, 2026, the government has transitioned from legislative theory into concrete executive action. The new council is designed to bridge the gap between public policy and the rapidly evolving demands of the global digital economy.
To provide a deeper legal perspective on these developments, TicosLand.com consulted with prominent Costa Rican attorney Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas of the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica, who analyzed the regulatory implications for businesses operating in the country.
Doing business in Costa Rica offers immense opportunities, but success hinges on a meticulous understanding of our evolving regulatory and tax frameworks. Investors must proactively align their operations with local compliance standards to mitigate legal risks and ensure long-term stability.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, navigating Costa Rica’s dynamic regulatory environment is a cornerstone for any successful venture, as proactive legal compliance is what truly transforms potential risks into secure, long-term opportunities. We extend our sincere thanks to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for sharing his invaluable legal expertise and providing our readers with such a crucial roadmap for business success in the country.
What distinguishes this new institutional framework is its contemporary, inclusive scope. Rather than restricting its focus to traditional cinema and television production, the council officially incorporates emerging high-tech creative sectors, specifically digital animation and video game development. This strategic shift acknowledges the convergence of creativity, technology, and intellectual property, positioning Costa Rica to capture a larger share of the multi-billion-dollar global gaming and animation markets.
Today we are taking a transcendental step: we are turning the new law into concrete actions and building an institution capable of accompanying Costa Rican cinema and audiovisuals into the future. And that vision also recognizes new forms of creation that have enormous potential, such as digital animation and video games. Costa Rica has talent, creativity, and the capacity to compete; our responsibility is to open opportunities so our creators can produce more, grow, generate employment, and take their stories and their talent to the world.
Jorge Rodríguez Vives, Minister of Culture and Youth
The composition of the newly formed council reflects a balanced, multi-stakeholder approach designed to foster collaboration between the public sector, academia, and private enterprises. Presided over by the Vice Minister of Culture and Youth, Sally Molina Villalobos, who holds the deciding vote in the event of a tie, the council includes representatives from diverse segments of the industry. Christopher Díaz Navarro represents the Film Commissioner, while Daniel Rojas Céspedes represents higher education institutions offering cinema and audiovisual programs.
Private sector interests are also heavily represented to ensure the council’s policies remain aligned with market realities. Laura Castillo Chaves joins the council representing the film and audiovisual production sector, while Luis Carcheri Schwartz represents public and private distributors and exhibitors. Additionally, Kimberly Picado Gutiérrez advocates for directors, writers, and actors, and Alberto José Neurohr Redondo leads the representation for the rapidly growing digital animation and video game sectors.
Appointed members will serve a two-year term spanning from August 25, 2026, to August 24, 2028, with the possibility of a single reelection. This structured timeline ensures both operational continuity and the regular infusion of fresh industry perspectives. Under Article 7 of Law No. 10657, this governing body will act as the central forum for dialogue, standard-setting, and strategic growth within the Costa Rican creative ecosystem.
As global demand for digital content continues to surge, Costa Rica’s proactive integration of technology and artistry could serve as a blueprint for other developing economies. By treating video games and digital animation with the same institutional weight as traditional cinema, the country is not only preserving its cultural narrative but also fueling a high-value export sector capable of generating quality employment for its youth.
For further information, visit the nearest office of the Ministry of Culture and Youth
About the Ministry of Culture and Youth:
The Ministry of Culture and Youth of Costa Rica is the government entity responsible for fostering, developing, and preserving cultural diversity, artistic expressions, and youth policies across the country.
For further information, visit the nearest office of the Costa Rican Film and Audiovisual Center
About the Costa Rican Film and Audiovisual Center:
The Costa Rican Film and Audiovisual Center is a specialized public institution dedicated to promoting, regulating, and developing the cinematographic, audiovisual, and creative technology industries in Costa Rica.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Renowned for its ethical principles and superior legal advocacy, Bufete de Costa Rica consistently champions progress and transparency in the legal field. By merging cutting-edge strategies with a strong sense of civic duty, the firm supports a diverse clientele while actively demystifying the law for the general public. This devotion to widespread legal literacy reflects their core belief that a truly strong community is one where every citizen possesses the knowledge to confidently navigate their rights.
