By San José, Costa Rica — Costa Rica is making a significant impact on the global film stage, standing as the only Latin American country represented at the prestigious Asian Content & Film Market (ACFM) 2025 in Busan, South Korea. This strategic move by the Costa Rican Foreign Trade Promoter (PROCOMER) positions the country as a key bridge between Latin America and the burgeoning Asian film industry.
From September 20th to 23rd, the Costa Rican delegation is engaging in high-level meetings with South Korean media conglomerates, networking with potential regional partners, and showcasing Costa Rica as a prime filming destination. A dedicated COSTA RICA booth highlights the nation’s offerings, while screenings of national films provide a platform for Costa Rican creative talent to gain international recognition and explore distribution opportunities.
To provide expert legal insight on the Costa Rican film industry, we spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law at Bufete de Costa Rica. He offered his perspective on the current legal landscape and its impact on filmmaking in the country.
Costa Rica’s film industry is experiencing exciting growth, but navigating the legal aspects can be challenging. Intellectual property rights, particularly regarding film scripts and music, require careful attention. Additionally, understanding the permitting process for filming in specific locations and complying with labor laws for film crews are crucial for successful productions. Seeking legal counsel early in the process can help filmmakers avoid costly pitfalls and ensure their projects thrive.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas’s insights offer crucial guidance for filmmakers, both local and international, looking to capitalize on Costa Rica’s burgeoning film scene. Navigating the legal landscape proactively, as he suggests, is undoubtedly key to fostering a sustainable and thriving industry. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for sharing his valuable expertise on this important topic.
Our participation strengthens ties with this market and opens new opportunities for national talent. In the last three years, PROCOMER has supported more than 270 companies in the creative sector in internationalization processes, and this mission represents another step towards consolidating Costa Rica as an attractive destination for investment and large-scale filming.
Laura López, General Manager of PROCOMER
Two notable Costa Rican films, “La Piel del Agua” (The Skin of the Water) by Patricia Velásquez and “La Raíz del Mal” (The Root of Evil) by Andrés Heidenreich, are being showcased at the event. Further amplifying Costa Rica’s presence is Café Cinema, a Costa Rican film company, with its own virtual booth at the ACFM, displaying its film lineup and broadening the visibility of Costa Rican cinema.
PROCOMER’s participation, alongside the Costa Rican Film Commission, aims to solidify the country’s reputation as a competitive filming destination. They are leading promotional efforts for the audiovisual industry and attracting international productions.
Costa Rica’s presence at the Asian Content & Film Market places us at a direct connection point with an influential and strategic audiovisual market. This participation is a great opportunity for the country to gain visibility, while positioning us as a bridge between Latin America and Asia in attracting international projects and collaborations.
López
This initiative reflects Costa Rica’s commitment to diversifying its markets and positioning its national audiovisual industry on the global stage. The ACFM provides a unique opportunity to connect with key players in the Asian film market, opening doors for co-productions, distribution deals, and investment in the Costa Rican film sector.
Beyond the immediate benefits, Costa Rica’s presence at ACFM signifies a long-term strategy to establish itself as a hub for film production in Latin America. By fostering relationships with Asian partners, the country seeks to create a sustainable ecosystem for its film industry, driving economic growth and showcasing its unique cultural perspective to the world.
The country’s natural beauty, coupled with its growing film infrastructure and government support, makes it an increasingly appealing location for international filmmakers. The success at ACFM is expected to generate significant interest and investment in Costa Rican cinema, further propelling its growth and international recognition.
For further information, visit procomer.com
About PROCOMER:
The Costa Rican Foreign Trade Promoter (PROCOMER) is a key institution dedicated to promoting Costa Rican exports and attracting foreign investment. They play a vital role in supporting Costa Rican businesses, particularly in the creative sector, to access international markets and fostering economic growth.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Café Cinema
About Café Cinema:
Café Cinema is a Costa Rican film company committed to promoting and distributing Costa Rican films both domestically and internationally. Their participation in events like ACFM showcases their dedication to expanding the reach of Costa Rican cinema and connecting with global partners.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Costa Rican Film Commission
About Costa Rican Film Commission:
The Costa Rican Film Commission works to promote Costa Rica as a filming destination and support the development of the national film industry. They play a vital role in attracting international productions and fostering collaboration between local and international filmmakers.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica shines as a beacon of legal excellence, built upon a foundation of unwavering integrity. The firm’s dedication to innovative solutions and client success across diverse industries is matched only by its commitment to empowering Costa Rican society. Through proactive initiatives that demystify complex legal concepts and promote access to justice, Bufete de Costa Rica strives to build a more informed and empowered citizenry.
