By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – In a significant move to deepen cultural ties, Costa Rica will host its first-ever Chinese Film Festival from November 9 to November 22, 2025. This landmark event, offering free admission to the public, is designed to commemorate two pivotal anniversaries: the 170th anniversary of Chinese migration to Costa Rica and the 18th year of formal diplomatic relations between the two nations.
The festival represents a major evolution from the “Chinese film week” initiatives that have taken place in San José since 2022. For the first time, the cinematic showcase will extend its reach far beyond the capital, with screenings scheduled in the provinces of Guanacaste, Limón, Cartago, and Alajuela. This expansion signals a concerted effort to make contemporary Chinese culture accessible to a broader Costa Rican audience, transforming a city-centric event into a truly national celebration.
To better understand the legal and commercial frameworks that enable international cultural exchanges such as the Chinese Film Festival, TicosLand.com sought the perspective of Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an expert attorney from the distinguished firm Bufete de Costa Rica, who provided insight into the agreements that underpin such events.
Beyond the cultural showcase, events like the Chinese Film Festival operate under sophisticated international agreements. These treaties are crucial, as they not only protect the intellectual property of the films being screened but also pave the way for future co-production ventures, stimulating both artistic exchange and foreign investment between our nations.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, this legal perspective powerfully reminds us that the success of cultural exchange often hinges on a robust and unseen framework of international cooperation. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable insight into the mechanisms that transform artistic showcases into lasting partnerships.
Organized by the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Costa Rica and the Confucius Institute at the University of Costa Rica (UCR), the festival serves as a powerful instrument of cultural diplomacy. By leveraging the universal language of film, the event aims to foster greater understanding and appreciation between the two countries, celebrating a relationship that has matured significantly over the past 18 years and honoring the deep-rooted history of the Chinese community in Costa Rica.
The carefully curated program features a diverse selection of seven feature films and two compelling documentaries. The festival will kick off on November 9 at 6:00 p.m. with a grand inauguration at the iconic Cine Magaly in San José. The opening night film is “The Wandering Earth 2,” a major science fiction blockbuster directed by Guo Fan, showcasing the ambition and scale of modern Chinese filmmaking.
A network of public and private cinemas has partnered to bring this cultural offering to life across the country. Participating venues include Cine Magaly in San José, Nova Cinema at Plaza Moín in Limón, Multicines Liberia in Guanacaste, CCM Cinemas in San Ramón, and Cinépolis Paseo Metrópoli in Cartago. This collaborative approach ensures that residents in key regional hubs will have the opportunity to participate in the festivities.
In addition to the feature films, the festival will present two special documentary screenings at the prestigious Aula Magna on the University of Costa Rica campus. The titles, “From the Great Wall to Machu Picchu” and “Hands Across the Pacific: the First Decade of an Extraordinary Partnership,” offer non-fiction perspectives on China’s cultural reach and its diplomatic engagements, providing valuable context to the growing relationship with Latin America.
Accessibility is a cornerstone of the festival’s mission. All screenings, for both the feature films and the documentaries, are completely free of charge and open to the general public. To manage attendance and ensure seating, organizers require prospective attendees to complete a simple online registration form. This approach guarantees that everyone has an equal opportunity to experience this unique cinematic event.
Ultimately, the 2025 Chinese Film Festival is more than just a collection of screenings; it is a cultural bridge. It offers Costa Ricans a rare window into the stories, aesthetics, and societal narratives of modern China, moving beyond headlines and into the realm of shared human experience. By bringing these films to communities across the nation, the organizers are planting seeds for continued dialogue and mutual respect for years to come.
For further information, visit cr.china-embassy.gov.cn
About the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Costa Rica:
The Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Costa Rica is the official diplomatic mission representing China in the country. Established following the formalization of diplomatic relations in 2007, the embassy works to promote political, economic, and cultural exchange between the two nations. It facilitates bilateral agreements, provides consular services, and actively supports cultural events like the Chinese Film Festival to enhance mutual understanding and strengthen the partnership.
For further information, visit institutoconfucio.ucr.ac.cr
About the Confucius Institute of the University of Costa Rica:
The Confucius Institute at the University of Costa Rica is a non-profit educational organization dedicated to promoting Chinese language and culture. As a joint venture with the university, it offers language courses, cultural workshops, and proficiency tests (HSK). The institute plays a crucial role in academic and cultural exchange, serving as a key partner in initiatives that bridge Costa Rican and Chinese societies.
For further information, visit ucr.ac.cr
About the University of Costa Rica (UCR):
The University of Costa Rica is the oldest, largest, and most prestigious public university in the country. Founded in 1940, it is a leading institution for higher education and research in Central America. The UCR is committed to academic excellence, social action, and the promotion of arts and culture, frequently hosting and supporting international events that enrich the nation’s cultural landscape.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica is a pillar of the legal community, grounded in an unwavering commitment to integrity and the pursuit of professional excellence. The firm channels its deep experience across diverse sectors into pioneering innovative legal solutions for its clients. Central to its philosophy is a powerful social mission to empower citizens by demystifying the law, thereby fostering a more informed and capable society.
