Costa Rican Film Industry

Famous for its sandy beaches and rich flora and fauna Costa Rica is known as a tropical paradise. But this Central American has few relics of their indigenous past and this in turn has had an affect on Costa Rican national identity as well as the lack of notable cinematic productions. Not uncommon for other Central American countries there has been few documented films.

It should be noted that Costa Rica has produced, directed and participated in some good films. This is quite an achievement considering there has been little investment or development of the Costa Rican film industry from grass roots level. Many films are created but are very rarely released on a national level and Universities who teach film have very limited resources.

In 2004, El Caribe, filmed in Puerto Viejo, Limón told the story of Vincente and Abigail and their lives as banana farmers. Although it failed to be nominated it was the first Costa Rican film to be put forward for consideration for an Academy Award.

El Camino, or The Path released in 2007 was directed by Ishtar Yasin Gutierrez who was born in Russia but has a Costa Rican heritage. The film deals with the subject of immigration in Costa Rica and the sexual abuse within the family unit. This film won several awards around the world. Her previous films included, “Florencia de los ríos hondos y los tiburones grandes,” which won her best film nominations from around the world.