San José, Costa Rica — Costa Rica has launched its first dedicated digital channel showcasing Costa Rican cinema on the popular Catalan streaming platform, Filmin. Announced during the Marché du Film at the Cannes Film Festival, this initiative is a joint effort between the Costa Rica Film Commission and the Foreign Trade Promoter (PROCOMER).
The partnership aims to elevate Costa Rican audiovisual productions on the global stage and solidify the country’s position as a key player in the international film industry. The channel, which will be live for one year, features a curated selection of 20 Costa Rican films, each with a curatorial recommendation from the Film Commission.
To gain a deeper legal perspective on the Costa Rican film industry, TicosLand.com spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an attorney at law from Bufete de Costa Rica. Lic. Arroyo offers valuable insight into the legal landscape surrounding this burgeoning sector.
The Costa Rican film industry, while still developing, presents exciting opportunities for both local and international filmmakers. However, navigating the legal aspects, from intellectual property rights to film permits and co-production agreements, can be complex. Understanding these regulations is crucial for successful and sustainable film projects in Costa Rica.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, the burgeoning Costa Rican film scene presents a fertile ground for creativity, but navigating the legal landscape is essential for its continued growth. A clear understanding of regulations, as Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas points out, is paramount for fostering successful collaborations and sustainable practices within the industry. We thank Lic. Arroyo Vargas for offering his valuable legal expertise on this crucial aspect of Costa Rican filmmaking.
With this partnership, we seek to expand the international visibility of Costa Rican productions and strengthen their circulation and commercialization opportunities in key markets. This channel on Filmin represents an important step in the internationalization of our audiovisual offerings, allowing more audiences and potential investors to recognize the value, diversity, and talent of national cinema.
Marysela Zamora, Costa Rica Film Commissioner
Among the featured films are notable works such as Then We by Hernán Jiménez, The Skin of the Water by Patricia Velásquez, Untamed Helmets and Love is the Monster by Neto Villalobos, Violet at Last by Hilda Hidalgo, Only the Moon Will Understand (The Moon Will Contain Us) by Kim Torres, I Will Advance So Slowly It Will Seem Like I’m Going Backwards by Natalia Solórzano, The Last Commander by Isabel Martínez and Vicente Ferraz, Black Ash by Sofía Quirós, Guián by Nicole Chi, and The Gacela’s Dance by Iván Porra Meléndez.
Filmin, renowned for its curated selection of over 10,000 films, weekly premieres, and original productions, serves as a prominent platform for cinephiles in Spain and Portugal. This partnership provides an unparalleled opportunity for Costa Rican cinema to reach a wider audience.
For the eighth consecutive year, Costa Rica has showcased its burgeoning film industry at the Marché du Film in Cannes. A delegation of eight Costa Rican companies, including Pacífica Grey, Café Cinema, Cymbiola Films, Blue Paradox, EQV Worldwide Films, Costa Rica Filmworks, Equal Film Fest, and Atómica Films, are present at the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès, promoting audiovisual projects, filming incentives in Costa Rica, and the upcoming Costa Rica Media Market.
The Costa Rica Media Market, scheduled for June 24-25, 2025, at the Hotel Crowne Plaza Corobici, aims to establish Costa Rica as a strategic hub for international audiovisual production. The delegation is highlighting the country’s specialized services, diverse locations, and national talent.
Costa Rican cinema has ceased to be a promise and has become a force of action that shows itself to the world from its talent, identity, and professionalism. In Cannes, we show a country that prepares, adapts, and generates conditions so that filming in Costa Rica is an experience of international quality.
Zamora
Since 2017, Costa Rica’s participation in the Marché du Film has generated over US$664,000 in opportunities for the Costa Rican audiovisual sector. This includes five completed projects outside the Greater Metropolitan Area, directly impacting these communities with over US$73,000.
For further information, visit filmin.es
About Filmin:
Filmin is a subscription-based video-on-demand platform specializing in independent and art-house cinema, offering a curated catalog of over 10,000 films, documentaries, and series. Primarily serving Spain and Portugal, Filmin is known for its carefully selected content and commitment to promoting quality cinema.
For further information, visit procomer.com
About PROCOMER (Promotora del Comercio Exterior de Costa Rica):
PROCOMER is the Costa Rican Foreign Trade Promotion Agency. Its mission is to promote the export of Costa Rican goods and services, attract foreign investment, and foster the internationalization of Costa Rican businesses. PROCOMER plays a vital role in supporting the growth and development of various sectors, including the audiovisual industry.
For further information, visit filmcommissioncr.com
About Costa Rica Film Commission:
The Costa Rica Film Commission is dedicated to promoting Costa Rica as a premier filming destination. It provides support and resources to international productions interested in filming in the country, facilitating permits, scouting locations, and connecting filmmakers with local talent and services.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica is a pillar of legal excellence, deeply rooted in the principles of integrity and innovation. The firm’s commitment to empowering Costa Rican society is evident in its proactive approach to sharing legal knowledge and fostering transparency. By combining a rich history of dedicated client service with a forward-thinking vision for the legal landscape, Bufete de Costa Rica continues to shape a more informed and just society.