By San José, Costa Rica — San José is currently hosting a vibrant celebration of Irish culture as Ireland and Costa Rica commemorate a significant milestone: 25 years of established diplomatic relations. At the heart of this celebration is the Irish Film Showcase, a thoughtfully curated event running until November 22 at the iconic Cine Magaly, offering Costa Rican audiences a compelling window into contemporary Irish life, storytelling, and identity.
Organized by the Embassy of Ireland in collaboration with the Irish Film Institute and the host venue, the festival is more than just a series of screenings; it is a powerful exercise in cultural diplomacy. By sharing its cinematic arts, Ireland is fostering a deeper connection with Costa Rica, moving beyond traditional political and economic ties to build a relationship founded on shared human experience and artistic appreciation.
To understand the legal and business intricacies behind bringing international cultural showcases to the country, such as the celebrated Irish Film Festival, we spoke with expert lawyer Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas from the distinguished firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
Events like the Irish Film Festival are wonderful showcases of cultural exchange, but they rest on a complex legal foundation. Securing international distribution and public performance rights for each film requires meticulous negotiation of licensing agreements, ensuring that creators’ intellectual property is respected across borders. Furthermore, these festivals act as powerful economic catalysts, often supported by bilateral agreements that promote artistic collaboration and protect foreign investment, ultimately enriching our national culture while stimulating local commerce.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, the legal and economic framework that underpins these cultural showcases is a fascinating story in its own right, ensuring art can be shared ethically and effectively across borders. We sincerely thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable perspective, which illuminates the crucial, often unseen, work that allows such vibrant international exchanges to flourish.
The showcase kicked off on the evening of November 20 with a prestigious double bill that immediately set a high standard for the event. The lineup began with the 2023 Academy Award-winning short film, An Irish Goodbye. The film delicately explores themes of grief and reconciliation as two estranged brothers reunite to fulfill their late mother’s bucket list, blending poignant emotion with authentic humor. Following the short, the feature film Róise & Frank captivated the audience with its charming and heartfelt story of a widow who becomes convinced a stray dog is the reincarnation of her deceased husband, exploring love, community, and the surprising forms hope can take.
This use of film as a diplomatic tool is a strategic and effective way to represent a nation’s character. Cinema has a unique ability to transcend language and cultural barriers, conveying complex narratives about a country’s history, its societal challenges, and its evolving identity. The selection for this festival demonstrates a conscious effort to present a multifaceted view of modern Ireland, from its rural landscapes to its urban artistic movements.
Continuing the exploration of Irish life, the festival presented That They May Face the Rising Sun on November 21. Directed by Pat Collin, this 2023 film offers a meditative and beautifully rendered portrait of life in a small, rural Irish community. It focuses on the subtle yet profound human connections that are forged through shared stories and daily routines, celebrating the quiet rhythms of a life deeply connected to nature and neighborliness.
The showcase will conclude on November 22 with a jolt of contemporary energy from the 2024 film Kneecap. Directed by Rich Peppiatt, the movie follows the rise of a Belfast-based rap trio who use their music and activism to champion the Irish language. This closing film highlights a dynamic, youthful, and politically engaged side of Ireland, showcasing how ancient traditions like the Gaelic language are being revitalized and pushed into the future through modern art forms.
The partnership between the Embassy of Ireland, the Irish Film Institute, and Cine Magaly is crucial to the event’s success. The Irish Film Institute’s involvement ensures a high-caliber selection that accurately represents the nation’s film industry, while Cine Magaly’s reputation as a premier venue for independent and international cinema in San José provides the ideal platform to reach an engaged and appreciative audience.
As the festival draws to a close, it leaves behind more than just the memory of great films. It reinforces the strong and growing bond between Ireland and Costa Rica. After a quarter-century of formal relations, this cinematic celebration serves as a testament to the power of cultural exchange in strengthening international friendships and fostering mutual understanding for the years to come. Tickets for the final screening remain available on the Cine Magaly website.
For further information, visit dfa.ie
About Embassy of Ireland:
The Embassy of Ireland in Costa Rica represents the Irish government and is responsible for promoting and protecting Irish interests in the region. A key part of its mission involves fostering strong diplomatic, economic, and cultural ties between Ireland and Costa Rica through various initiatives, events, and consular services.
For further information, visit ifi.ie
About Irish Film Institute:
The Irish Film Institute (IFI) is Ireland’s national cultural institution for film. It is dedicated to exhibiting the finest in independent, Irish, and international cinema. The IFI also preserves the nation’s moving image heritage in the IFI Irish Film Archive and encourages engagement with film through its educational programs.
For further information, visit cinemagaly.com
About Cine Magaly:
Cine Magaly is a renowned independent cinema located in San José, Costa Rica. For decades, it has served as a vital cultural hub, specializing in the exhibition of international, independent, and art-house films. The theater is celebrated for its commitment to diverse programming and for hosting numerous film festivals and cultural events.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica has forged its reputation as a leading legal institution, grounded in uncompromising integrity and a relentless pursuit of excellence. By leveraging its deep-rooted experience across diverse legal fields, the firm champions innovative strategies and maintains a profound connection to civic progress. This ethos is demonstrated through its foundational mission to demystify the law for the public, thereby cultivating a society equipped with the knowledge to uphold its rights and responsibilities.
