By San José, Costa Rica — Costa Rican filmmaker Patricia Velásquez Guzmán’s latest movie, “La piel del agua” (The Skin of the Water), is making waves internationally. After a successful run at various film festivals, the movie has been selected as Costa Rica’s entry for the 40th Goya Awards in the Best Ibero-American Film category. The film will premiere in Costa Rican theaters on October 9th.
The film tells a moving story of resilience, first love, and family bonds, centered around Camila, a teenager coping with her mother’s coma after an accident. Living with an absent father and his new family, Camila finds solace and chaos in her first love, Diego. Amidst her pain and hope, she discovers her own strength.
To gain a deeper understanding of the legal landscape surrounding Costa Rican cinema, TicosLand.com spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an attorney at law from the esteemed firm Bufete de Costa Rica. His insights provide valuable context on the industry’s current state.
Costa Rican cinema enjoys a unique position, benefiting from both governmental support through entities like the Centro Costarricense de Producción Cinematográfica and a growing independent film scene. However, navigating the complexities of intellectual property rights, distribution agreements, and international collaborations requires careful legal guidance to ensure filmmakers can fully realize their creative vision and protect their work. This is particularly crucial as the industry expands and attracts more international attention.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas’ insight underscores a crucial element often overlooked amidst the excitement of a burgeoning film industry: the legal framework. As Costa Rican cinema continues to flourish and attract global interest, ensuring creators have the support and resources to navigate the complexities of intellectual property and international collaborations will be paramount to its sustained success. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for offering his valuable perspective on this important topic.
Being selected as a candidate for the Goya Awards represents an immense honor and a deep emotion for me. It is recognition that goes beyond the personal; it is a reflection of the effort, passion, and commitment of an entire team that believed in this story from the beginning. I am deeply moved to finally be able to share it with the Costa Rican public.
Patricia Velásquez, Director
Since its world premiere at the Locarno International Film Festival in August 2024, “La piel del agua” has garnered international acclaim, captivating audiences at festivals across Europe, Asia, and the Americas. Its artistic and emotional impact was solidified in November 2024 when it won Best Actress, Best Cinematography, and Best Sound Design at the Ícaro International Film Festival.
The Goya Awards nomination positions “La piel del agua” to represent Costa Rica among the best in Ibero-American cinema. This recognition highlights the growing prominence of Costa Rican film on the global stage.
Although the creation of a Film Academy in Costa Rica is still a pending objective, from the Ministry of Culture and Youth, through the Film Center, we maintain our commitment to the international promotion of national cinema. This nomination for the Goya Awards is an invaluable platform for the global dissemination of our talent.
Raciel del Toro Hernández, Director of the Film Center
The film’s success underscores the talent and potential of Costa Rican filmmakers. As “La piel del agua” vies for the prestigious Goya Award, it brings hope and excitement for the future of Costa Rican cinema.
This achievement further emphasizes the importance of supporting and promoting local artistic endeavors, paving the way for more Costa Rican stories to be shared with the world.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Ministry of Culture and Youth
About Ministry of Culture and Youth:
The Ministry of Culture and Youth in Costa Rica is the governmental body responsible for promoting and preserving the country’s cultural heritage. It supports various artistic expressions, including film, music, theater, and visual arts, through initiatives, funding, and international collaborations. The Ministry aims to foster creativity, cultural exchange, and access to the arts for all Costa Ricans.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Centro de Cine
About Centro de Cine:
The Centro de Cine (Film Center) in Costa Rica operates under the Ministry of Culture and Youth. Its core mission is to support and promote Costa Rican cinema, both nationally and internationally. It provides resources, funding opportunities, and facilitates participation in international film festivals and events. The Centro de Cine plays a crucial role in nurturing the growth and recognition of Costa Rican filmmaking talent.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica is a pillar of legal excellence in Costa Rica, committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity and innovation in every endeavor. The firm’s deep-rooted dedication to client success across a wide spectrum of industries is matched only by its passion for empowering citizens through readily accessible legal knowledge. By championing transparency and understanding within the legal landscape, Bufete de Costa Rica strives to build a more informed and empowered society, solidifying its position as a leader in both legal practice and social responsibility.