Opening Night Party

Wednesday, December 3, 2025
7:00 PM – Late

Kick off the Nosara International Film Festival with an unforgettable night under the stars!

Enjoy live DJ sets, a red carpet entrance, and the chance to meet and mingle with filmmakers and special guests.

Tickets: $20 (includes one drink)
At the door: $25
Location: Encuentro, El Pueblo, Nosara

Celebrate the start of NIFF 2025.
Good music, great company, and cinematic magic in the heart of Nosara.

Join filmmakers Tristan Cohen, Orion Eshel, Derek Garcia, Zach Greenberger and Ralph Calle-Schulz for a lively discussion on the independent film industry including the challenges, the breakthroughs, and the stories behind the screens.

Tickets: $5
All proceeds donated to NOCA (Nosara Community for the Arts) to support a new community film program launching next year.

A night of bold storytelling and emotional depth. From intimate short films to boundary-pushing narratives, this opening screening block sets the tone for the festival’s celebration of creativity and courage in filmmaking.

Films:

The Nameless Call — Narrative Short (Italy)
5:20 — Simone Menin, Fabio Retano, Giuseppe Lombardi

Saved by Grace — Documentary Short (Costa Rica / Israel)
12:00 — Orion Eshel

Why Did You Come Back Every Summer — Narrative Short (Spain)
18:30 — Juli Suarez

Diamante Azul — Short Music Video (Costa Rica)
03:26 — Yamile Garcia

Clown Song — Narrative Short (Canada, US, UK)
7:00 — Brady Dowad

A/Way — Narrative/Documentary Feature (USA)
1:07 — Derek Garcia

Total runtime: 1 hr 54 min

Tickets for screenings and events range from $12 to $30, with 10% of all proceeds donated to NOCA (Nosara Community for the Arts) in support of local arts and future community film programs.

An inspiring conversation with Luna Lauren Vélez, Veronica Caicedo, and Stephanie Chloe about representation, resilience, and redefining women’s voices in cinema today.

Tickets: $5
All proceeds donated to NOCA (Nosara Community for the Arts) to support a new community film program launching next year.

An exploration of identity, connection, and the courage to face life’s defining moments. From local voices to global perspectives, this block brings together stories that remind us how film can both reflect and transform the human experience.

Films:

Luz Nocturna — Narrative Short (Costa Rica)
14:39 — Kim Torres

Ordinary — Narrative Short (USA)
8:37 — Ralph Schulz

Betty Bird Goes to War — Narrative Short (USA)
14:49 — Stephanie Chloe

Why Won’t You Say It Back — Narrative Short (USA)
24:00 — Zach Greenberger

We The Surfers — Documentary Feature (France)
51:00 — Arthur Bourbon

Total runtime: 1 hr 53 min

Tickets for screenings and events range from $12 to $30, with 10% of all proceeds donated to NOCA (Nosara Community for the Arts) in support of local arts and future community film programs.

A heartfelt and cinematic closing night that captures the beauty of resilience, creativity, and storytelling. Featuring diverse voices and striking visuals, Block Three closes the festival with power, humor, and humanity.

Films:

Daddy Issues — Narrative Short (USA)
4:41 — Stephanie Chloe

Duality — Narrative Short (Costa Rica)
6:00 — Jana Saldaña

Fish Tank — Narrative Short (USA)
20:00 — Tristan Cohen

Blueberry Grunt — Narrative Feature (Canada)
1:28 — Sherry White

Total runtime: 1 hr 58 min

Tickets for screenings and events range from $12 to $30, with 10% of all proceeds donated to NOCA (Nosara Community for the Arts) in support of local arts and future community film programs.