Free Cinema Treat Across Costa Rica
From September 25th, the local communities of Aguas Zarcas, Ciudad Quesada, Guácimo, Puntarenas, Santa Cruz, and Ciudad Neily will be bathed in cinematic brilliance. They’re set to indulge in films and interactive audiovisual workshops, all thanks to the Costa Rica International Film Festival 2023 (CRFIC). More than 20 international and national films will shine across the cities of San José, Alajuela, Guanacaste, Puntarenas, and Limón. The magic is made possible by the festival’s traveling phase.
Blades and Éditus: A Mesmerizing Duo
In an electric performance, Rubén Blades, during his concert in Costa Rica, was graced by the spectacular presence of the national band, Éditus. They set the National Stadium of Costa Rica on fire with their collaboration.
Film Battles in San José
The real competition, spotlighting the crème de la crème of national and international short films, will resonate through the iconic venues of San José. Film aficionados should not miss out on the screenings at the Cinema Center, Cine Magaly, Eugene O’Neill Theatre, and the French Alliance. Between October 24th and 31st, 24 movies will compete for the coveted Central American and Caribbean Feature Film Competition and the National Short Film Competition.
CRFIC’s Roaming Cinema
Dive into the CRFIC’s traveling phase, lighting up six communities: Aguas Zarcas, Ciudad Quesada, Guácimo, Puntarenas, Santa Cruz, and Ciudad Neily. The festival will unfurl in two phases: September 25th to October 10th and November 6th to 10th. Movie projections, spirited debates, and enlightening audiovisual workshops, all free and open to the general public.
Traveling Festival Schedule:
- Aguas Zarcas, Civic Center for Peace: September 25-26
- Ciudad Quesada, Cultural Complex of Ciudad Quesada: September 28-30
- Guácimo, Cultivarte: October 2-4
- Ciudad Neily, Liceo Ciudad Neily Gymnasium: October 8-10
- Santa Cruz, Civic Center for Peace: November 6-8
- Puntarenas, UNED University: November 9-10
Eclectic Film Themes For All
From kids to general audiences, there’s something for everyone. Highlighted films include local masterpieces like Ceniza Negra, El Baile de la Gacela, and Gestación, as well as international hits like Virus Tropical, El Libro de Lila, and A Vista de Pájaro.
Bridging Cinema to All Corners
Raciel del Toro, the head of the Costa Rican Film Production Center, elucidates the aim: to connect with regions that are socially vulnerable or possess low to medium development indices. Ultimately, to champion culture as an agent of change. “We aim to touch communities with limited or no access to cinematic and cultural experiences, especially where there’s no cinema or constant display of artistic expressions,” added Toro.
