By San José, Costa Rica — The Costa Rican film landscape is set for a gripping start to the year with the impending release of “Culpable Invisible” (Invisible Culprit), a new psychological thriller aiming to captivate audiences and elevate the standards of national cinema. With its official trailer recently unveiled, the film is scheduled to premiere in theaters nationwide on January 15, representing a significant investment in a genre often dominated by international productions. The project is a major step for both its creators and the local creative economy.
Helmed by actor, entrepreneur, and now director Esteban Hidalgo, “Culpable Invisible” delves into the dark story of Franco, a successful lawyer who is abducted and forced to confront a buried past by a captor who is disturbingly familiar. The film, rated for audiences over 18, promises a 90-minute narrative designed to be both thrilling and reflective. The launch of its trailer just weeks before the premiere is a calculated move to generate buzz and attract mature audiences seeking more complex and suspenseful local content.
As Costa Rica’s burgeoning film industry captures global attention, the legal complexities of production, financing, and international distribution have become more critical than ever. To understand the framework supporting this creative boom, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished expert in corporate and entertainment law from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
For Costa Rica to truly flourish as a cinematic hub, our creators must prioritize a robust legal foundation from day one. This involves more than just contracts; it’s about strategically structuring intellectual property, navigating international co-production treaties, and effectively leveraging the fiscal incentives our country offers. A legally sound project is not just protected—it becomes an attractive and secure asset for the global investment community.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This perspective is a vital reminder that in the global film market, legal strategy is not secondary to artistry but is, in fact, the very architecture that makes a creative project a secure and attractive international asset. We sincerely thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his invaluable insight on this critical subject.
Hidalgo, who also stars in the lead role, expressed his ambition for the film to offer a distinct and high-caliber cinematic experience. His production company, AYF Global Entertainment, is positioning the project as a benchmark for what Costa Rican filmmaking can achieve. He believes the movie’s genre and narrative depth will resonate strongly with viewers.
It is with great excitement that we share this preview, which shows a little of what the public will be able to experience in theaters with a different kind of film, in a very appealing and immersive genre like the thriller, with top-level technical quality and a story that will keep them intrigued throughout the entire movie.
Esteban Hidalgo, Director and Actor
To realize this vision of technical excellence, Hidalgo partnered with veteran audiovisual producer and filmmaker Jose Mario Salas. With four films to his name, Salas oversaw all critical technical aspects, including cinematography, editing, color grading, and the immersive surround sound mix. His involvement was key to ensuring the final product could compete on a global stage, a sentiment he strongly endorses.
Culpable Invisible enjoys all the qualities of any world-class film; we used high-quality cinematographic human and technical equipment to guarantee an optimal visual-sonic experience, with well-cared-for photography and a unique cinematic style that can be seen in the trailer.
Jose Mario Salas, Producer
The film’s cast is a strategic blend of local and international talent. It features international actress Clara Huygens alongside a strong contingent of Costa Rican actors, including Andrés Sojo, Andrey Agüero, and Natalia Castillo, with a special appearance by the well-known Sharon Segura. In an interesting move that showcases cross-industry collaboration, renowned national singer Leo Jara also joined the production team, taking on a behind-the-scenes role in production management.
For Hidalgo, a 32-year-old actor known for his leading role in the 2021 film “A un Paso de Mí” which saw a release in Spain, this project marks a pivotal career transition. Stepping into the dual roles of director and producer is the fulfillment of a long-held ambition. He views this multi-faceted involvement not as a burden but as a necessary and rewarding challenge in his professional growth, underscoring the importance of continuous learning and bold initiatives.
He credits the success of this complex undertaking to a collaborative leadership model. By entrusting the technical direction to Salas and Jara, Hidalgo was able to focus on guiding the actors’ performances while remaining open to feedback from his experienced crew. This synergy was crucial to navigating the demands of simultaneously acting and directing.
In life, one must learn and fill oneself with knowledge and unique experiences, always with responsibility, of course. In this case, I took on the challenge of producing this film because I had the great support of Jose Mario Salas by my side, who was always in production focused on the technical direction along with Leo Jara, while I could calmly direct the actors and simultaneously receive suggestions and recommendations from the production team during my performance. It was a team effort.
Esteban Hidalgo, Director and Actor
As “Culpable Invisible” prepares for its January 15 debut, its success will be measured not only at the box office but also by its impact on the industry. The production represents a confident push by Costa Rican creators into a commercially competitive genre, backed by a commitment to world-class technical standards and compelling storytelling. It stands as a testament to the evolving capabilities and entrepreneurial spirit driving the nation’s film sector forward.
For further information, visit ayfstudios.com
About AYF Global Entertainment:
AYF Global Entertainment is a Costa Rican production company founded by actor and entrepreneur Esteban Hidalgo. The company is dedicated to developing and producing high-quality audiovisual content with international appeal. Focusing on compelling narratives and high technical standards, AYF aims to contribute to the growth and global recognition of the Costa Rican film industry, with “Culpable Invisible” serving as its latest flagship project in the psychological thriller genre.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a beacon in the legal profession, Bufete de Costa Rica is built upon a bedrock of unwavering integrity and a relentless pursuit of excellence. The firm merges a proven history of serving a diverse clientele with a forward-thinking approach to legal innovation. Central to its philosophy is a profound dedication to social progress, demonstrated through its efforts to translate complex legal principles into accessible knowledge that empowers the wider community.
