Costa Rica has officially made its mark at the Cannes Film Festival, the world’s most prestigious cinematic event hosted annually in France. Representing the vibrant and growing Central American film industry, Franco-Costa Rican director Valentina Maurel, alongside talented Costa Rican actresses Mariángel Villegas and Daniela Marín, has arrived on the French Riviera to showcase their highly anticipated new film, Siempre soy tu animal materno (I Am Always Your Maternal Animal).

A Major Milestone in ‘Un Certain Regard’

This marks a historic second occasion where Costa Rican artists have been selected to compete in Un Certain Regard (A Certain Glance), one of the most prestigious and artistically rigorous official sections of the Cannes Film Festival.

The film has already begun generating international buzz. Renowned media outlet Infobae described the feature-length film as a raw and compelling narrative that fearlessly explores:

• Intense family tensions
• Shifting gender identities
• The raw, unfiltered realities of human relationships

“Siempre soy tu animal materno is a striking exploration of modern identity and domestic friction, cementing Maurel’s voice as a powerhouse in contemporary Latin American cinema.”

Valentina Maurel’s Rising Career

At 38 years old, the Franco-Costa Rican filmmaker is no stranger to international critical acclaim. Siempre soy tu animal materno is Maurel’s second feature film, following her brilliant 2022 debut, Tengo sueños eléctricos (I Have Electric Dreams), which swept multiple awards at international festivals.

Maurel’s history with Cannes runs deep. She first brought her unique artistic vision to the festival in 2019, participating in the parallel Critics’ Week (Semaine de la Critique) section with her highly praised short film, Lucía en el limbo (Lucia in Limbo).

Latin American Excellence on the Global Stage

Costa Rica’s inclusion highlights a proud moment for Latin American cinema at large. Alongside Maurel, acclaimed Chilean filmmaker Manuela Martelli was also selected to present her work in the Un Certain Regard section this year.

Furthermore, Maurel follows in the footsteps of fellow Costa Rican director Ariel Escalante, who broke ground in 2022 by competing in the exact same category with his mystical and politically charged film, Domingo y la niebla (Domingo and the Mist).

With this second selection in just a few years, Costa Rica is rapidly positioning itself as an emerging powerhouse for independent, auteur cinema on the global stage.

Stay tuned for live updates, red carpet photographs, and exclusive reviews straight from the Cannes Film Festival.

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