Key Facts
The Costa Rica Media Market (CRMM) returns for its second edition on July 14-15, 2026, promising a packed schedule of panels, networking, and project showcases. Organized by the Costa Rica Film Commission, Promocomer (Trade and Investment Promotion Agency), and Essential Costa Rica, the event aims to solidify Costa Rica's role as a hub for audiovisual production in Central America and the Caribbean.
This year's market expects to host over 900 business meetings among 350 international participants, up from 275 in 2025. Notable attendees include Disney, MrBeast producer Ari Cheren, and the newly launched Women in Fan LatAm initiative.
Details and Highlights
Industry Heavyweights and New Voices
Film Commissioner Marysela Zamora highlighted the diverse mix of participants: “One of the most exciting developments this year is the mix of industry perspectives coming together. We’re welcoming Disney, MrBeast, a new generation of producers working in Hollywood and leading players from countries like Mexico and Colombia—two of the region’s strongest audiovisual industries.” She added that bringing these players into conversation with local talent creates unique opportunities for partnerships.
MrBeast Producer on Ground
Ari Cheren, producer for YouTube and TikTok sensation MrBeast, will attend CRMM to meet local producers and location managers, and join familiarization tours. Zamora noted: “For us, it’s a valuable opportunity to showcase the talent, capabilities and locations that Costa Rica offers to international productions.”
Women in Fan LatAm Launch
A major highlight is the launch of Women in Fan LatAm, an extension of the WomanInFan initiative founded by the Sitges International Film Festival. Alongside the Fantastic Lab Central America & Caribbean, these programs aim to open doors for genre cinema in the region. Zamora stated: “Through Fantastic Lab and Women in Fan LatAm, we’re opening new doors for genre cinema in Central America and the Caribbean, while showcasing 24 curated projects across fiction, documentaries and series. Together, they reflect a region with increasingly ambitious stories that are ready for the international stage.”
Day 1: July 14
- Opening Conversation: Felipe Pacheco, Costa Rica's first Oscar-nominated talent (Best Sound for Sinners), shares his journey.
- Panel – How Studios Choose Where to Film: Reps from Disney, 20th Century Studios, and The Mediapro Studio's Cimarrón Cine discuss location decision-making.
- Panel – The Future of Storytelling: Featuring Julye Cuartas (11:11 Films & TV), Diego Hurtado de Mendoza (Alegría Films), and Greta Talia Fuentes (Macro).
Day 2: July 15
- Keynote – What Makes a Film Break Through? Charlye Sextro, SVP of Acquisitions & Business Development at Utopia, addresses festival and distribution strategies.
- Panel – Festivals Driving Talent and Audiences: TIFF programmer Diana Cadavid, Puerto Rico Film Festival's Lester Rive, and Patricia Velázquez (Costa Rica Film Festival) discuss festival impact.
- AI Debate: Led by Adriana Ramírez of Megatrax.
- Genre Cinema Expansion: Sitges Festival director Mónica García and director-producer Luis Javier Enaine discuss Latin American genre growth, moderated by Pablo Guisa (Grupo Mórbido).
Impact and What Readers Should Know
CRMM 2026 positions Costa Rica as a gateway for international productions seeking talent, locations, and co-production opportunities in Central America and the Caribbean. The inclusion of major players like Disney and MrBeast signals growing global interest in the region. The launch of Women in Fan LatAm and Fantastic Lab underscores a commitment to nurturing genre storytelling and female voices. With 24 curated projects on display, the market aims to accelerate projects from development to global audiences.
FAQ
What is the Costa Rica Media Market?
The Costa Rica Media Market (CRMM) is a two-day conference and business platform for audiovisual professionals, organized by Costa Rica's Film Commission, Promocomer, and Essential Costa Rica, aiming to connect regional talent with international buyers and producers.
When and where is CRMM 2026 taking place?
CRMM 2026 is scheduled for July 14-15, 2026, in Costa Rica, followed by familiarization tours for participants.
Who are the key participants at CRMM 2026?
Key participants include Disney, MrBeast producer Ari Cheren, Women in Fan LatAm, TIFF programmer Diana Cadavid, and representatives from 20th Century Studios, Utopia, and more.
What new initiatives are launching at CRMM 2026?
Women in Fan LatAm, an extension of Sitges International Film Festival's WomanInFan initiative, and the continuation of Fantastic Lab Central America & Caribbean are launching at CRMM 2026.