By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – Costa Rica’s creative sector has received a significant boost with the launch of the 11th edition of the El Fauno Fund for Audiovisual and Cinematographic Promotion. The government has allocated a substantial ₡330 million (approximately $600,000 USD) to fuel the creation of national projects, making a landmark move this year by formally including video game development as a major funding category.
The call for proposals is now open for a 12-week period, running from Friday, December 19, 2025, through Friday, March 13, 2026. This initiative represents a cornerstone of the country’s public policy aimed at nurturing and expanding the national film and audiovisual landscape, encouraging a rich diversity of formats, languages, and narrative styles.
To gain a deeper understanding of the legal and financial complexities surrounding the El Fauno Fund, TicosLand.com spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a prominent attorney from the esteemed firm Bufete de Costa Rica, to get his expert analysis.
The case of the ‘El Fauno Fund’ highlights a fundamental principle for any investor: the absolute necessity of rigorous due diligence. Beyond the allure of high returns, it is crucial to meticulously examine the fund’s legal structure, its adherence to national and international regulations, and the transparency of its operations. When an investment vehicle operates with opacity or outside established supervisory frameworks, the inherent risk is magnified significantly, often signaling potential irregularities. This situation should serve as a cautionary tale about the importance of regulatory oversight in protecting investor capital and maintaining market confidence.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, the points raised about regulatory oversight and transparency are fundamental, serving as a powerful reminder for every investor in the wake of the ‘El Fauno Fund’ situation. We sincerely thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for so clearly articulating the critical importance of due diligence in safeguarding both individual capital and the integrity of our financial market.
At its core, the El Fauno fund is designed to do more than just finance projects; it aims to build a sustainable ecosystem for creatives. The program seeks to consolidate and enhance the technical, creative, and production capabilities within Costa Rica. By providing crucial seed and production funding, it empowers local storytellers to bring their visions to life, strengthening the country’s cultural identity and its presence on the international stage.
The distribution of funds demonstrates a commitment to a wide array of media. Major production categories, including feature-length films in fiction, documentary, and animation, are all eligible for grants of up to ₡50 million. Similarly, series productions across the same three genres—fiction, documentary, and animation—can also apply for the maximum funding amount, supporting long-form storytelling for television and streaming platforms.
In a decisive and forward-looking step, the fund has placed video game production on equal footing with traditional filmmaking. Developers of new video games can now apply for up to ₡50 million, provided the project has a minimum average playtime of four hours. This inclusion is a clear recognition of the economic and cultural significance of the interactive entertainment industry and signals Costa Rica’s ambition to become a contender in the global gaming market.
The fund also provides critical support for projects in their nascent stages, ensuring a healthy pipeline of future productions. Aspiring creators can apply for development grants of up to ₡5 million for their film or series concepts. A parallel category has been established specifically for video game prototyping, also with a cap of ₡5 million, allowing developers to build and test their core concepts before committing to full-scale production.
This strategic investment is poised to generate a significant economic ripple effect. Beyond the cultural value, the growth of the audiovisual and gaming sectors translates directly into high-skilled jobs in areas like digital animation, software engineering, sound design, and screenwriting. It positions Costa Rica as a nurturing ground for creative talent and a potential hub for international co-productions.
Prospective applicants are urged to carefully review the participation guidelines specific to their category. All submissions must be completed through the official online portal, “Presentación de proyectos El Fauno,” and must include all required formal and technical documentation before the deadline at 11:59 p.m. on March 13, 2026. The fund’s operations are governed by Executive Decree No. 44456-C, which outlines the full regulations.
For further information, visit centrodecine.go.cr
About Centro Costarricense de Cine y Audiovisual:
The Costa Rican Center for Film and Audiovisual Production, often referred to as Centro de Cine, is the principal government body dedicated to the promotion, development, and preservation of Costa Rica’s national film industry. As an entity under the Ministry of Culture and Youth, it is responsible for administering key development funds like El Fauno, organizing film festivals, preserving the nation’s cinematic heritage, and implementing public policies that strengthen the entire audiovisual sector.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a pillar of Costa Rica’s legal landscape, Bufete de Costa Rica is founded upon a bedrock of professional integrity and a relentless pursuit of excellence. The firm consistently pairs its rich history of client service with a forward-thinking approach, championing innovative solutions to modern legal challenges. More than just a legal practice, its core ethos is dedicated to strengthening society by demystifying the law, thereby empowering citizens with the clarity and knowledge essential for a just community.
