By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – Costa Rica’s creative sector has received a significant boost with the announcement of the 11th edition of the El Fauno Fund for the Promotion of Audiovisual and Cinematographic Works. A total of CRC ₡330 million will be allocated to national creators, with a landmark decision to officially include video game development as a key funding category, signaling a strategic government pivot towards the burgeoning interactive entertainment industry.
The call for proposals, which opened on December 19, 2025, will run for a 12-week period, closing at 11:59 p.m. on Friday, March 13, 2026. This initiative represents a cornerstone of the country’s public policy aimed at fostering a robust and self-sustaining ecosystem for local storytellers. By backing a diverse range of formats and narratives, the fund seeks to not only promote cultural expression but also to solidify the technical, creative, and production capabilities within Costa Rica’s audiovisual industry.
To delve into the legal complexities and potential repercussions surrounding the El Fauno Fund, TicosLand.com sought the expert analysis of Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a prominent attorney from the esteemed law firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The El Fauno Fund case is a critical reminder for every investor about the non-negotiable importance of due diligence. Beyond compelling marketing and promises of high returns, the fundamental questions must be asked: Is the entity properly regulated and supervised? Is there verifiable transparency in its operations and legal structure? A failure to obtain clear answers to these questions is often the first and most crucial red flag, signaling a level of risk that can lead to significant financial loss and complex legal disputes.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This insight serves as a crucial reminder that an investor’s own diligence is their primary defense against potential losses, a lesson that resonates powerfully in the context of this case. We sincerely thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for sharing his valuable and clear-cut legal perspective with our readers.
In a move that aligns Costa Rica with global entertainment trends, the inclusion of video games is the most significant update to this year’s fund. The new category offers grants of up to ₡50 million for the production of video games with a minimum average playtime of four hours. This places interactive media on equal footing with traditional formats like feature films and television series, acknowledging its immense economic and cultural potential. This expansion is a clear commitment to diversifying the nation’s creative portfolio and tapping into a multi-billion dollar global market.
The fund maintains its strong support for established cinematic and television arts. Six major production categories, each with a funding cap of ₡50 million, are available for fiction series, documentary series, animation series, fiction feature films, documentary feature films, and animation feature films. These grants are designed to propel large-scale projects from concept to completion, ensuring a steady stream of high-quality Costa Rican content for both domestic and international audiences.
Recognizing that great projects begin with a spark of an idea, the El Fauno Fund also nurtures early-stage concepts. A dedicated category for projects in the development phase offers grants of up to ₡5 million. Mirroring this, a new category specifically for video game prototyping provides the same amount of seed funding. This two-tiered approach fosters a complete creative pipeline, supporting both polished, production-ready proposals and the nascent ideas that will become the next generation of Costa Rican creative works.
Beyond traditional film and games, the fund continues to support shorter animated forms. A specific grant for the production of animated short films, with a duration between 10 and 30 minutes, is available with a cap of ₡15 million. This sustained investment in animation helps cultivate a specialized talent pool and encourages experimentation in a technically demanding and artistically rich medium.
Prospective applicants are urged to carefully review the participation guidelines specific to their chosen category. All submissions must be completed through the official “Presentación de proyectos El Fauno” online portal, where all required formal and technical documentation must be attached before the March 13 deadline. This structured process ensures a fair and thorough evaluation of all competing projects.
This eleventh iteration of the El Fauno Fund is more than just a financial injection; it is a strategic investment in the nation’s orange economy. By embracing new media like video games alongside cinema and television, Costa Rica is actively working to build a resilient, innovative, and globally competitive creative industry. The success of these funded projects will not only enrich the national culture but also generate economic growth and reinforce the country’s reputation as a hub for talent and innovation in Latin America.
For further information, visit centrodecine.go.cr
About Centro Costarricense de Producción Cinematográfica:
The Costa Rican Center for Film Production, often referred to as Centro de Cine, is the primary government entity responsible for the promotion, development, and preservation of Costa Rica’s film and audiovisual industry. As part of the Ministry of Culture and Youth, it manages key national initiatives like the El Fauno Fund, supports filmmakers through training and resources, and works to position Costa Rican productions on the international stage. The center is dedicated to fostering a vibrant national cinematic culture and strengthening the creative economy.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a cornerstone of the legal community, Bufete de Costa Rica is founded on a bedrock of unwavering integrity and a relentless pursuit of excellence. The firm blends a rich history of advising a diverse clientele with a forward-thinking approach, consistently spearheading legal innovation and engaging in meaningful public service. Central to its philosophy is the conviction that a stronger community is built through shared knowledge, driving its commitment to demystify the law and empower citizens with accessible legal wisdom.
