In just 16 minutes, the documentary “La Yegüita” (The Little Mare) directed by Carlos M. Saénz, immerses us in the tradition of the “La Yegüita” dance in the city of Nicoya. This dance is a fascinating mix of cultural influences from the native peoples, fusing with the religion inherited by the Spanish invasion. The tradition is celebrated on December 12 within the framework of the day of the Virgin of Guadalupe, patron saint of the canton.
La Yegüita (The Little Mare) — 1976
In just 16 minutes, the documentary “La Yegüita” (The Little Mare) directed by Carlos M. Saénz, immerses us in the tradition of the “La Yegüita” dance in the city of Nicoya. This dance is a fascinating mix of cultural influences from the native peoples, fusing with the religion inherited by the Spanish invasion. The tradition is celebrated on December 12 within the framework of the day of the Virgin of Guadalupe, patron saint of the canton.
According to filmmaker Ingo Niehaus, Saénz showed great interest in issues related to indigenous artistic production.
Film Credits:
Director: Carlos M. Sáenz
Screenplay and Research: Carlos M. Sáenz and Carlos Freer
Photography: Carlos M. Sáenz
Editing: Antonio Yglesias
Executive Producer: Kitico Moreno
Production: Film Department – Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports
Run Time:16 min 35 sec
Category: Short film
Format: 16mm
Location: Pinilla, Santa Cruz
Los Secretos de Isolina (Isolina’s Secrets) — 1986
This film, directed by journalist Miguel Salguero, is a tribute to the province of Guanacaste and its Sabanero (plainsman) characters. The film weaves a narrative that fuses customs with a touching love story, all embellished with a touch of magic.
The film’s plot develops around the love interests of a lady from Cartago named Isolina, starring the young Ivannia Villalobos, and the troubadour Sebastián Montiel, played by Max Goldenberg. The cast also includes the son of the hacienda’s owner, Rodolfo, performed by the music arranger and director of the group Gaviota, Carlos Guzmán. The cast is completed with a group of seven authentic Guanacaste sabaneros.
“Laughter, beautiful thoughts and even dry messages make this cinematic work a film that deserves applause, not criticism.” With those words, writer José León Sánchez described the feature film in a review published in December of 1986 in the newspaper La República.
Film Credits:
Director: Miguel Salguero
Screenplay: Miguel Salguero
Photography: Carlos M. Sáenz
Editing: Damaris Zuñiga
Production: Miguel Salguero and Producciones Palenque S.A.
Category: Feature Film
Locations: Hacienda El Jobo, Liberia and Playas del Coco
Run Time: 87:00
Amor de Temporada (Seasonal Love) – 2015
In this short film, directed by photographer Sergio Pucci, we witness the story of a boy in Tamarindo who falls in love at first sight with a foreign girl, and he’s willing to do the impossible to win her over. But what makes this production even more special is how Pucci transforms the province’s classic song “Amor de Temporada” (Seasonal Love), by Héctor Zúñiga Rovira, into an emotional short film.
More than a simple love story, this production offers an authentic portrait of Guanacaste. In just six and a half minutes, the Costa Rican photographer immerses us in the essence of the pulperia (convenience store), the cattle, the dirt roads and even the typical chickens that give life to Guanacaste’s scenery.
Film Credits:
Producer and director: Sergio Pucci
Screenplay: Sergio Pucci and Jonathan Yonkers
Photography: Sergio Pucci
Editing: Gabriela Hernández
Category: Short Film
Location: Pinilla, Santa Cruz
Run Time: 5:00
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