Costa Rica launches new documentary series and free film cycle in August 2026

Canal 13 will begin a new edition of the "Memoria viva" documentary series on Sunday evenings at 5 p.m., featuring historic Costa Rican films from the 1970s‑1980s that highlight the country’s indigenous peoples. The programming for International Indigenous Peoples’ Day includes the 1979 documentary "Waca: La tierra de los bribrí" and the 2025 short "Doctor Barba Blanca," which follows Dr. Pablo Ortiz’s three‑decade medical service to the Ngäbe community.

At the same time, the Central Bank Museums of Costa Rica, in partnership with the San José municipality, will present "San José en Pantalla," a free monthly cinema cycle showcasing six Costa Rican feature films shot wholly or partly in the capital. The series runs from August 2026 through February 2027, with screenings at 6 p.m. in the Plaza de la Cultura, limited seating and advance registration required. The opening film is Valentina Maurel’s "Tengo sueños eléctricos," followed by Antonella Sudasassi’s "Memorias de un cuerpo que arde," among others.