Costa Rica International Film Festival is held in Montezuma Costa Rica November 2012. 2012 Film Festival Submissions! Enter your film now and join us in paradise!

Join us for the Costa Rica International Film Festival as we celebrate the magic of cinema in Montezuma, Costa Rica.

The CRIFF welcomes talented filmmakers from across the world to take a vacation while showcasing their film to a truly international audience.

2012 Film Festival Entries

Check out the 2011 Film Festival Schedule...

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions:

If you have any further questions, or you are interested in attending the festival, please send us an email.

Where is Montezuma, Costa Rica?

Montezuma is a town in Puntarenas Province, Costa Rica which began as a remote fishing village and has gained popularity since the 1980s among tourists on a budget. Montezuma is located near the southern tip of the Nicoya Peninsula, 41 km (25 mi) southwest of Paquera and 8 km (5 mi) south of the town of Cóbano. Most services are in Cóbano.

The tiny beach haven features a mix of local "Ticos" as well as a foreign community with a lot of European influences. It’s a long-time favorite of backpackers and eco-tourists who come for the beaches, rivers and scenic waterfalls that surround the village. read more...

Do I need a Passport or visa to go to Costa Rica

Citizens of the United States, Canada, Great Britain, and most European nations may visit Costa Rica for a maximum of 90 days. No visa is necessary, but you must have a valid passport, which you should carry with you at all times while you're in Costa Rica. Citizens of Australia, Ireland, and New Zealand can enter the country without a visa and stay for 30 days, although once in the country, visitors can apply for an extension.

Citizens of the USA, Canada, Argentina, Israel, Japan, Panama, Romania, South Korea, Uruguay, the UK and most Western European countries do not need a visa for a 90-day stay. Citizens of Australia, New Zealand, France, Sweden and most of Eastern Europe and Latin America, can stay 90 days without a visa. If you do need a visa, it will cost US $20 from a Costa Rican consulate.

What Airlines Fly to Costa Rica?

Commercial international flights to Costa Rica currently land either at the Juan Santamaría International Airport, located ten miles from downtown San Jose, or at the Daniel Oduber International airport in Liberia, Guanacaste. Costa Rica is serviced by numerous major carriers, with service originating from various points in Europe, the United States, Canada, the Caribbean and South America. Airlines with direct flights to Costa Rica include Continental, American, Delta, United, Iberia, KLM, British Airways, Grupo Taca, Copa, Cubana, Avianca, and Mexicana.

Once I’m in Costa Rica, how do I get to the film festival?

You can take a flight on Nature Air from San Jose to Tambor and take a quick taxi from Tambor to Montezuma. This is the recommended way to travel to and from the film festival. Nature Air is 30 minute scenic flight compared to all day traveling by land.

Buses, shuttles, taxi’s and rental cars are also options for getting to Montezuma.

What hotels are in Montezuma, Costa Rica?

Our festival accommodations offer the best prices for attendees who would like to visit.

Do I need to speak Spanish in Costa Rica?

No. English is fine, although you should at least try to speak a little Spanish while visiting. The locals will love to help you with your vocabulary!

What events take place during the film festival?

There will be an incredible number of things to do in Montezuma during the festival. Film screenings, discussions, live music, artists, beach parties, street parties, late-night parties, full-moon parties, water activities, hiking to waterfalls, filmmaker dinners, tours to nearby islands, zip-line canopy tours, ATV rentals, surfing, scuba-diving, snorkeling, or just relaxing on one of the beautiful beaches.

The festival often brings together all attending filmmakers for excursions together, to promote communication and collaboration.

What venues are involved in CRIFF?

The festival will be held in Montezuma’s biggest venues: El Sano Banano Village Hotel, Ylang Ylang Beach Resort, Puggos Restaurant, Chicos Bar, and more.

How do I enter my film to the film festival?

2012 Film Festival Submissions are now accepted!