This year’s “El Regreso,” the award-winning film by Hernán Jiménez, has generated chatter about Costa Rican cinema (TT, Sept. 2). Beginning today, 75 more filmmakers will have the chance to make a splash of their own at the San José International Film and Video Festival.
The festival was previously known as the Costa Rican Film and Video Festival but changed its name this year to welcome contributions from the rest of Central America and the Caribbean. Sponsored in part by the Culture Ministry, the festival runs through Nov. 8 at downtown San José’s Variedades Theater.
Attendees will have the opportunity to see short and full-length films and documentaries as well as animated films and video clips. This year’s festival features contributions from Costa Rica, Guatemala, Nicaragua, Honduras, El Salvador, Panama and the Dominican Republic. Entries will be evaluated by judges from Mexico, Colombia and the United States.
Workshops in direction and production will also be conducted Nov. 1-4. Those interested in these free workshops should submit a résumé and letter to festivalcinesanjose@gmail.com.
Tickets cost ₡1,500 ($3) per show. Passes for the entire 12-day festival cost ₡10,000 ($20). Students and senior citizens are eligible for discounted tickets on Wednesday, Nov. 2. For more information and showtimes, visit www.festivaldecinesanjose.com.
