Eric Panter, who has directed a series of film festivals since 2002 in Atlanta, Georgia, traveled to Montezuma in 2005 and loved the small, relaxed beach town. He talked with several business people in Montezuma and found they were enthusiastic to do something similar, so the annual Costa Rica International Film Festival was born. Montezuma hosted the festival during the first two years, and Manuel Antonio was added as a second destination in the third year, helping to increase the number of visitors who attend the festival.

This "Adventure in Film", brought to us by a visitor from
USA, is starting to capture the attention of many people
in Costa Rica, and attract large audiences.

Eric Panter has already amassed a lot of experience in organizing events like this. Because he has specialized in independent films, he is not afraid to touch on controversial themes, thereby allowing emerging, adventurous and sometimes edgy filmmakers from all over the world a chance to have their creations viewed.

Talking to ZOOM, Eric said: “We have had a few problems in the past with attendees who were offended by some of the content of a few of the films we screen. Our reaction has always been the same - art has always been controversial. The films we present are not censored by the MPAA rating system, giving the filmmaker complete creative control. That is the beauty of independent filmmaking, and we encourage them to push the boundries."
Although submissions are still pouring in, one already confirmed film selection is from Costa Rica. The incredible Fe de Agua will be presented Saturday, November 20, 2010 at El Sano Banano. The short film was shot in Tamarindo, and documents the passage in life of a young Guanacastecan. The film will premiere in Tamarindo in May, and again at the festival in November. The star of the film, the Tico actor/filmmaker/surf-guru, Jonathan Yonkers, will be in attendance. The film's director, Alrick Brown, will also be on-hand to discuss filmmaking in Costa Rica.

The festival begins in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica during the second week of November. The festival then moves to Montezuma during the third week, and features screenings at Sano Banano, Organico, Luz de Mono, Ylang-Ylang and open-air screenings at the Basketball court by the park. All venues are within walking distance, and attendees can enjoy dinner and drinks while watching the shows.
Film festival submissions are accepted until August, so visit costaricafilmfest.com if you have a short or a feature film to enter.