Costa Rica News & Events – The Tulemar Resort is welcoming the arrival of the 3rd Annual Beach Film Festival in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica. The festival starts March 13th and runs for four consecutive nights. Growing in popularity, the festival is the realization of efforts by the local government and business leaders to provide culturally enriching alternatives for local residents and visitors. Admission to each of the screenings is free to all.
Resort spokesperson Dave Houck is excited about the festival saying, “It’s a wonderful contribution to the area. Visitors from all over the world come to Manuel Antonio to enjoy the natural beauty and fun activities. But Costa Rica is more than just zipline tours and waterfalls. The film festival gives visitors a chance to experience the culturally-rich, artistic side of Costa Rica.”
The festival starts with the first “talkie” produced in Costa Rica, “Elvira”, a 1955 classic directed by Alfonso Patiño Gómez. Reflecting the conservative social norms of the era, it provoked a minor commotion when it was released because it features the first on-screen kiss in Costa Rican cinema; a kiss on the cheek.
“Fe”, is director Alejo Crisóstomo’s 2011 drama which tells the story of a young evangelical priest who assists an accused murderer even as his congregation turns against him. Everything comes into question when another crime occurs near the church.
Costa Rica’s northern and culturally distinct province of Guanacaste is featured heavily in “Los Secretos de Isolina”, produced in 1986 and directed by Miguel Salguero.
The final presentation will be held at the nearby Marina Pez Vela. “Chirripó”, directed by Fulbright recipient Gerardo Selva Godoy, tells the story of a group of friends who decide to go on a trip to the Chirripó National Park with unexpected results. The director was inspired by the beauty of the area, his experience as a theater professor, the daily human struggle, and our relation with our environment.
“The presentation has the feel of backyard cinema, only the backyard is the Pacific shore,” says Houck. “Manuel Antonio has long attracted an eclectic and diverse crowd, and the inclusion of this festival reinforces that artistic feeling. Both screening sites are only a short distance from Tulemar Resort, so it’s convenient for our guest who want to experience something unique.”
Organizers expect this year’s festival to solidify the foundation for future festivals in which they hope to include more international selections from around the world.
