Costa Rica is making a splash in the international film scene with its first English-language Christmas movie, Paradise Falls: A Christmas Story. Produced by the Costa Rican production company Café Cinema, this feature film promises to blend the festive charm of a holiday classic with the breathtaking natural beauty of Costa Rica. Set to premiere at prestigious industry events such as ShowEast 2024 in Miami and the American Film Market in Las Vegas, the film is aiming for global distribution just in time for Christmas.
So, what’s so special about this movie, and why should you care? Let’s dive into the heartwarming details of Paradise Falls: A Christmas Story and see why it’s set to light up movie screens worldwide.
A Christmas Story with a Costa Rican Twist
Directed by Manu Canales and written by Mexican screenwriter Fernando Luján, Paradise Falls is no ordinary Christmas movie. The film follows Lucy, a Christmas-obsessed New Yorker who surprises her grandfather by traveling to a quaint Costa Rican town known as Paradise Falls. With her festive spirit in tow, Lucy embarks on a mission to bring Christmas back to this sleepy village, reintroducing joy, warmth, and holiday cheer to the local community.
Unlike your typical winter wonderland holiday flick, this story takes place in the lush greenery of Costa Rica. Filming was completed in Ciudad Colón, located just west of San José, during the month of August. The natural beauty of the area, with its scenic canyon and waterfall, provides a stunning backdrop for the movie, adding a tropical flair to the traditional Christmas aesthetic. So, if you’re tired of the usual snowy scenes, Paradise Falls offers a refreshing take on Christmas—Costa Rica style.
Local Talent Meets Global Ambition
One of the most exciting aspects of Paradise Falls: A Christmas Story is its spotlight on Costa Rican talent. Héctor Alfaro Dobles, the Costa Rican producer spearheading the project, has made it clear that this film is not just about bringing a story to life, but also showcasing the technical and creative prowess of Costa Rica’s film industry.
“We are proud to bring this story to the world,” Alfaro Dobles said, “showing not only our technical and creative capacity, but also the beauty of Costa Rica and the quality of our local talent.”
In addition to Costa Rican actors Byron Ortega and Michelle de Matheu, the film features an international cast, including Mexican-American actress Victoria Ulmos and American actor Linwood Yarborough. This mix of local and international talent underscores Costa Rica’s growing reputation as a viable destination for global film production.
More Than Just a Movie: A Boost to the Local Economy
While Paradise Falls is set to bring Christmas cheer to audiences around the world, it’s also been a boon for the local Costa Rican economy. Filming provided jobs and opportunities for local businesses in sectors like gastronomy, transportation, costume design, and set construction. Local entrepreneurs benefited from the influx of work, and the production injected a welcome financial boost into the community.
Costa Rica’s Film Commission and the Foreign Trade Promotion Agency (PROCOMER) have both played vital roles in the project’s success. They helped foster an environment that supports large-scale film productions and sees cinema as a valuable cultural export.
“This feature film is a sample of the potential and capacity of national talent for the production of film projects on a global scale,” said Marysela Zamora Villalobos, PROCOMER Film Commissioner. “In Costa Rica, we have six film zones with which we can attract investments of this type that will ultimately become a cultural export product.”
In other words, Paradise Falls is not just a feel-good movie—it’s also helping to establish Costa Rica as a key player in the global film industry.
A Team of International Pros Behind the Scenes
The magic of Paradise Falls wouldn’t be possible without a highly skilled production team. The film’s cinematography was handled by Argentine Ezequiel “Zeke” García, whose keen eye brought Costa Rica’s natural beauty to life on the big screen. The movie is the product of international collaboration, with its production team featuring professionals from Costa Rica, Mexico, and Argentina.
Costa Rican producer Héctor Alfaro Dobles led the charge, bringing the project to international film markets like the Berlinale Festival in Germany and the Cannes Film Festival in France. His pitch at these prestigious venues secured the financing needed to bring Paradise Falls to fruition.
A Bright Future for Costa Rican Cinema
The success of Paradise Falls could mark a turning point for Costa Rican cinema. As the country continues to expand its presence on the global film stage, movies like this one show that Costa Rica has both the talent and the infrastructure to support high-quality film productions. With stunning locations, a skilled workforce, and government backing, Costa Rica is well on its way to becoming a top destination for filmmakers around the world.
Marysela Zamora Villalobos put it best: “It is through projects like this that we will be able to position Costa Rica as a key destination for major film productions in the future.”
What’s Next?
As Paradise Falls: A Christmas Story gears up for its world premiere later this year, anticipation is building. The film is set to hit theaters in December, just in time to offer a unique Christmas experience unlike any other. Whether you’re looking for holiday cheer, stunning scenery, or a heartwarming story, this movie promises to deliver all that and more.
Keep an eye out for Paradise Falls at industry events like ShowEast and the American Film Market, where it’s sure to make waves. And when it finally arrives in theaters, don’t miss your chance to see how Costa Rica brings the magic of Christmas to the big screen.
