The Costa Rica Media Market (CRMM) is set to make its debut on June 24 and 25, organized by Costa Rica’s film commission, Trade and Investment Promotion Agency (PROCOMER), and Ministry of Culture & Youth. Spearheaded by film commissioner Marysela Zamora, this event aims to establish itself as a pivotal platform for regional projects in the international market.
CRMM is a spin-off from the Central America and Caribbean Audiovisual Market (MAUCC), which successfully organized numerous business meetings over seven editions. With over 500 business meetings and more than 50 international buyers, CRMM is poised to be a game-changer in the industry.
Zamora expressed her excitement about the event, stating that it required a bigger budget and more resources than previous endeavors. The team’s hard work and dedication have paid off, leading to a successful rebranding and a new direction for the market.
The agenda for CRMM includes business roundtables, matchmaking sessions, expert panels, and masterclasses. It will also feature project showcases from the Costa Rica International Film Festival’s industry section. Leading up to the market, the third edition of Tres Puertos Costa Rica, a development lab supporting Latin American film projects, took place from June 18-23.
Notable participants at CRMM include international buyers such as Gaumont (Germany), ND Pictures (Netherlands), and La Bonne Epoque (France). Mariana Salas Campbell, Warner Bros Discovery Senior VP, original production LatAm, will conduct a workshop and masterclass online, focusing on reality shows and sharing her industry insights.
Female directors and producers from Costa Rica, including Antonella Sudasassi, Lynette Coll, and Karina Avellán, will participate in a panel on independent cinema. The event will also feature panels on navigating content markets, post-production, sound design, and film awards as a marketing tool.
CRMM coincides with the Costa Rica International Film Festival, now in its 13th year, which opened on June 20 and runs until the 29th. After CRMM concludes, location managers and producers seeking Costa Rican locations will participate in fam trips across six Film Friendly Zones in the country, taking advantage of the 11% cash rebate offered.
Additionally, the Locarno Industry Academy Latin America will hold closed-door sessions of its 3rd Costa Rica Industry Academy, providing training and networking opportunities for selected participants. Industry leaders like Morbido Group CEO Pablo Guisa and Paula Astorga will share their expertise with attendees.
Guisa emphasized the potential for collaboration between North and South America through Costa Rica and the Caribbean, highlighting the importance of events like CRMM in fostering partnerships and shared goals in the industry. Salas Campbell echoed the sentiment, noting the value of networking and exchanging ideas at such events to drive the creation of more content for Central America. The industry, she believes, should view Central America as a united market to increase audience volume and production opportunities.
