‘Romería,’ ‘The Blood Countess,’ ‘Resurrection’ Set for Costa Rica Film Festival as Event Focuses on Afro-Caribbean Cinema and Female Filmmakers

The 14th edition of the Costa Rica Film Festival is set to take place in San José from July 23 to August 1, bringing a diverse lineup that underscores the region's cinematic vitality. With the festival's central theme, “Cinema That Unites Us,” organizers emphasize inclusion, regional collaboration, and cultural dialogue, particularly spotlighting Afro-Caribbean stories and the rising prominence of female filmmakers.

Opening the festival will be Allan Deberton’s "Gugu’s World," a Berlin-winning film that introduces audiences to a poignant narrative about youth and identity. Alongside this, the event will host the world premiere of Andrés Madrigal Alvarado’s "Lost Men," a deeply personal documentary blending themes of queerness and family secrets, marking the sole Costa Rican premiere.

The competitive section for Central American and Caribbean feature films includes a robust selection from the region. Costa Rican filmmakers Hernán Jiménez (“Abril”), Kim Torres (“Si no ardemos cómo iluminar la noche”), and Wainer Méndez Solano (“Dama de las mil máscaras”) will compete alongside works from Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Panama, and Puerto Rico. Notable entries include Vanessa Batista’s "Calle Cuba" and Paula Cury’s "Niñas Escarlata," reflecting the festival's commitment to showcasing diverse narratives from across the Caribbean basin.

This year’s program introduces a dedicated Afro-Caribbean segment aimed at amplifying voices historically underrepresented in regional cinema. The festival describes this initiative as an essential platform for visibility and intercultural exchange, featuring recent films by Gabriela A. Moses, Paloma Gomide, Eleonóre Coyette, and Sephora Monteau. This section aligns with the festival’s broader mission to foster inclusivity and dialogue within the cinematic landscape.

Female filmmakers continue to be a cornerstone of the festival’s identity, reflecting Central America’s burgeoning talent pool of women directors. Festival director Patricia Velásquez, who assumed leadership last year as the event’s first female head, has prioritized creating spaces for women’s voices. On July 26, the festival will convene a Meeting of Female Filmmakers from Central America and the Caribbean, designed to address sexism in the industry and promote collaboration among women creators.

Velásquez highlighted the strength of Costa Rica’s current generation of women filmmakers, citing emerging talents such as Valentina Maurel, Sofia Quirós, Antonella Sudasassi, and Hilda Hidalgo. Though Maurel’s acclaimed Cannes-winning "Forever Your Maternal Animal" will not screen due to submission timing, her work exemplifies the powerful thematic concerns shaping contemporary regional cinema, from family dynamics to social taboos like violence and religion.

Complementing these thematic explorations, the festival’s programming also includes curated strands such as Generation Alpha, focusing on youth-centered stories, with films from Brazil and others gaining international attention. For audiences drawn to genre cinema, the Year 13 section offers bold selections including Bi Gan’s "Resurrection" and Ulrike Ottinger’s "The Blood Countess."

The Borders section highlights films exploring social and geographical margins, featuring notable titles such as Lucrecia Martel’s "Landmarks" and Carla Simón’s "Romería," both acclaimed at major international festivals. Retrospective screenings will present classics like Stanley Kubrick’s "2001: A Space Odyssey" and Ridley Scott’s "Blade Runner," offering a cinematic dialogue between past and present.

Throughout its 14th edition, the Costa Rica Film Festival seeks to reinforce its role as a vital platform for Central American and Caribbean filmmakers. Confronted with ongoing challenges such as limited funding and political hurdles, the festival under Velásquez’s direction strives to strengthen regional networks and ensure that culturally resonant films gain both visibility and support within and beyond the region.