Film Industry in Costa Rica Set to Expand with Introduction of New Law

Over the last year, Costa Rica has made significant strides toward reaching out to foreign investors. Now, the Central American nation is embarking upon a goal of making Costa Rica more appealing to foreign productions by creating a groundbreaking film law.

Since 2000, the film industry in Costa Rica has produced more films than in the entire history of the nation. This is primarily due to the introduction of new technology combined with increasing homegrown talent. There are now thousands of people working in the Costa Rican audio-visual industry.

Despite a lack of a film commission and tax incentives, Costa Rica is working toward introducing a film law that would lure producers to Costa Rica. In the past, Latin American nations such as Panama and the Dominican Republic have proven to be popular with producers, largely due to the presence of tax incentives in those nations. The new law will feature a tax rebate for private investors in Costa Rican feature films, production and distribution incentives, a film fund, location filming incentives, and a film commission.

While Costa Rica currently only produces less than half a dozen films annually, the country plans to begin producing up to 10 films per year and even more international projects.