At NIFF, our mission is to cultivate a space for minds to merge and for creators to form lasting connections that go beyond the festival.

Set in one of the most popular surf and wellness hotspots in the world, and immersed in the tropical dry forest of Nosara, Costa Rica, NIFF aims to curate a selection of quality, rather than quantity. Every year.

No two film blocks will ever overlap, allowing for everyone to have equal opportunity to watch and have their films seen; the more passionate minds there are in one place, the higher the energy, the greater the opportunity. Just like in film, through contrast, light beams brighter, which is why we strongly believe in our unique, mixed genre film blocks.

By reinventing the way films screen, mixing family dramas with psychological horrors, or fast-paced thrillers with meditative documentaries, we believe it maximizes the impact that a film can have on an audience. Through the juxtaposition of creations, an artist's vision shines more intensely and true; it steers away from the blending of films into general feelings and themes, and instead throws the audience into what we believe is a more immersive, emotional journey.

By curating a festival schedule without overlapping screening times, in conjunction with our unique film blocks, we believe it fosters the greatest opportunity for growth, recognition, learning, and connection between artists.

We strive to build a festival that brings films and people from all over the world, and acts as a spark for conversation, for empathy, for the sharing of film, and for the sharing of life.

Our biggest goal at NIFF is to push forth independent filmmaking and the thriving of creative minds; in a world full of disconnection, let NIFF be a source of true, human connection, blending cultures and perspectives.