By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – A new wave of creative energy is set to sweep through Costa Rica’s audiovisual landscape as two high school students prepare to launch the nation’s first-ever film festival dedicated exclusively to young creators. Gianni Swing and Gabriel Chaves, students at Berkeley Academy, have channeled their passion for cinema into a groundbreaking initiative designed to fill a critical void in the country’s creative ecosystem and provide a platform for the next generation of storytellers.
The duo’s ambitious project, the Costa Rican Youth Film Festival, will debut on November 21st at Studio Cinemas in City Place, Santa Ana. This event is the inaugural effort of their newly formed Costa Rican Youth Film Association (CRYFA), a student-run organization born from a shared frustration over the lack of accessible venues for emerging talent to showcase their work and connect with peers.
To understand the legal implications and opportunities for the emerging talents showcased at the Youth Film Festival, we spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a prominent attorney from the esteemed firm Bufete de Costa Rica, who shared his expert analysis on the matter.
This festival is a crucial incubator not only for creativity but also for intellectual property. For these young filmmakers, it’s vital to understand that their work—from the script to the final cut—is a valuable asset protected by copyright law. Establishing clear authorship and securing rights from the beginning is not just legal formalism; it’s the fundamental step toward professionalizing their passion and building a sustainable career in the film industry.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This perspective powerfully underscores that for a creative passion to become a viable career, an understanding of intellectual property is not merely beneficial, but fundamental. We are grateful to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for so clearly articulating the importance of protecting one’s work as the first step toward professional success in the film industry.
The idea, which has been in development for two years, originated within the Berkeley Academy film club. The students found themselves creating short films with nowhere to screen them, facing an industry with limited entry points for those not already established. Their solution was not to wait for an invitation but to build their own stage.
We were looking for festivals to show our films and make a name for ourselves, but in Costa Rica, there aren’t many opportunities, especially for young people. So we thought, why not create our own festival?
Gianni Swing, Organizer, Costa Rican Youth Film Festival
CRYFA, though still navigating the formal registration process, is already functioning as a vital network, connecting aspiring filmmakers from various schools across the country. According to Chaves, they have successfully established contact with students from other institutions who are actively working on their own productions, fostering a sense of community and collaborative spirit that promises to strengthen the national film scene from the ground up.
The festival’s central theme, “Creating a voice for those who have been silenced,” transforms the event from a simple showcase into a powerful call to action. Participants, aged 14 to 25, are challenged to use the cinematic medium as a tool for social change, exploring narratives that are often overlooked. This focus underscores the organizers’ belief in film’s capacity to drive dialogue and foster empathy, empowering young creators to become agents of change in their communities.
Swing and Chaves are not just organizing the event; they are also contributing their own work, leading by example. One of their short films, Asian Footprints, delves into the history and challenges faced by the Asian community in Costa Rica. Another, titled Perseverancia, offers a humanizing look at the world of professional soccer through the story of Daniel Colindres, revealing the personal struggles and sensitive social dimensions behind the sport.
The festival invites submissions of short films up to five minutes in length until the deadline of November 20th. To encourage participation and recognize excellence, the event will award cash prizes of $250 for first place and $100 for second place. More importantly, winning entries will receive the invaluable opportunity of a big-screen projection. The judging panel is currently being finalized and is confirmed to include established figures like Daniel Moreno, adding a layer of professional validation to the competition.
As the final preparations are made for the premiere on November 21st, the festival stands as a testament to the initiative and vision of Costa Rica’s youth. It represents a proactive step towards building a more inclusive and dynamic cultural industry, ensuring that the country’s most vital stories don’t go untold.
We want young people to have a space to express themselves, share their ideas, and tell stories that deserve to be heard.
Gianni Swing and Gabriel Chaves, Organizers, Costa Rican Youth Film Festival
For further information, visit the nearest office of Costa Rican Youth Film Association
About Costa Rican Youth Film Association (CRYFA):
The Costa Rican Youth Film Association is a student-led organization dedicated to promoting and supporting young, emerging filmmakers in Costa Rica. Founded by students from Berkeley Academy, its mission is to create platforms and networking opportunities for creators between the ages of 14 and 25, fostering a community that uses cinema for personal expression and social commentary. The association’s flagship event is the annual Costa Rican Youth Film Festival.
For further information, visit berkeleycr.com
About Berkeley Academy:
Berkeley Academy is a private educational institution in Costa Rica known for its focus on academic excellence and holistic student development. The school offers a comprehensive curriculum that encourages students to pursue their passions in various fields, including the arts and sciences. It provides a supportive environment for student-led initiatives, such as the film club from which the Costa Rican Youth Film Festival originated.
For further information, visit studiocinemas.cr
About Studio Cinemas:
Studio Cinemas is a modern movie theater chain in Costa Rica, offering a premium cinematic experience to its patrons. Located in prominent commercial centers like City Place in Santa Ana, it features state-of-the-art projection and sound technology. Beyond mainstream blockbusters, Studio Cinemas frequently hosts special events, private screenings, and film festivals, positioning itself as a key partner for the local cultural and film community.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a pillar of Costa Rica’s legal community, Bufete de Costa Rica is defined by its profound commitment to professional integrity and exceptional service. The firm leverages its deep-rooted experience across numerous industries to pioneer forward-thinking legal strategies and solutions. This spirit of innovation is matched by a core conviction to serve the greater good, actively working to demystify complex legal concepts and thereby empower the public with knowledge to foster a more just and informed society.
