A delegation of Costa Rican production companies and filmmakers participated in Ventana Sur 2025, Latin America’s most important audiovisual market, from December 1 to 5. The aim was to strengthen the international positioning of the country’s audiovisual offerings and facilitate business opportunities, co-production, and the attraction of film investments.
The national delegation, made up of seven Costa Rican companies, attended with a COSTA RICA stand, coordinated by the Costa Rican Foreign Trade Promoter (PROCOMER) and in collaboration with the Film Commission. The companies held on-site meetings with sales agents, distributors, streaming platforms, potential investors, among others, from both the Americas and Europe.
Participating in Ventana Sur allowed us to present the work being done in Costa Rica to relevant industry players and access spaces that increase the visibility of our projects. The Costa Rican audiovisual sector has managed to consolidate an offering with the capacity to compete and collaborate internationally, in a context where funds, co-productions, and investments are increasingly seeking new territories and narratives. Spaces such as Ventana Sur open doors for projects to move forward, connect with new partners, and contribute to the diversification of our industry,” said Laura López, General Manager of PROCOMER.
A Costa Rican film wins six international awards
Three Costa Rican projects were screened during the competition: “La Imparmanencia” by Juan Manuel Fernández, “Hermosa no es como antes” by Kattia Zúñiga and Alejo Crisóstomo, and “Madre Pájaro” by Sofía Quirós and Mariana Murillo. The latter won six international awards in various categories during the festival.
The project was recognized in the category of comprehensive post-production services valued at US$13,000, US$500 in support for its post-production as a film chosen from among the MERCOSUR countries, and €10,000 in support for consulting, travel, and promotional materials. In addition, it received the Film Award in a competitive section of the market, was selected for presentation at an upcoming edition of Le Film Français and Cannes Market Film News during the Marché du Film, and obtained a final mixing service (check mix 5.1 or 7.0) from a specialized studio.
“I started attending Ventana Sur ten years ago when I was still a film student, with a DVD in hand showing my short films. Being able to present my second feature film here today is a real honor, but it also reflects how vital consistency and presence in these markets is for the careers of producers and directors. Here you realize that you are not alone, that hundreds of filmmakers like you are working hard to forge ties and bring our stories to the screen,” said Sofía Quirós, director of Madre Pájaro.
The national delegation’s agenda at Ventana Sur also included an official meeting aimed at promoting the country’s audiovisual ecosystem to potential international partners. Through this space, international experts learned about local offerings in production services, creative talent, and opportunities derived from the Film Investment Attraction Law. The activity facilitated the establishment of new connections and allowed Costa Rican companies to identify possibilities for collaboration and co-production in strategic markets.
