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The Second Annual Montezuma International Film Festival will be held November 13 - 16, 2008 at Sano Banano, Organico, Luz de Mono, Los Mangos, Chico's, and other great venues around the breath -taking beach side village of Montezuma, Costa Rica.

The Montezuma International Film Festival is an exciting event celebrating every genre of international, independent films during a four day span of screenings, panel-discussions, art presentations, live music, street parties, beach parties, after-parties and explorations of the amazing landscapes of Montezuma, Costa Rica.

Montezuma, Costa Rica is the perfect location for a large scale cultural event and the Montezuma International Film Festival is a great opportunity to experience the magic of Costa Rica.

Everyone in the world is invited to this unique annual event - MIFF is truly an international festival of film.

2007 FESTIVAL PRESS:

The Beach Times  -  "Montezuma, Movies to Save Your Life By."

The Beach Times - "Film Comes to Montezuma, Bug Eyes and all"

Costa Rica Pages -  "International Film Festival in Montezuma, Costa Rica."

Tico Times - "Montezuma to Host Film Festival"

Tico Times - "Film Festival Brings Culture to Montezuma"

Frommer's  - "Montezuma International Film Festival."

FESTIVAL SUBMISSIONS:

The Montezuma International Film Festival has opened the call for entries to this exciting second-annual celebration of international cinema.

MIFF accepts films from every country, of every genre and length. The 2008 MIFF DEADLINE is October 18, 2008 (postmarked date)

MIFF filmmakers and their crews are encouraged to attend MIFF for a much needed vacation and a chance to showcase their hard work to the world!

Attendees of the festival will receive discounted rates on accommodations, food & activities including canopy, ATV,& horse back tours, boat trips to nearby islands. transportation to and from Montezuma - San Jose, Costa Rica, and much more.

Visit the MIFF accommodations page for special discounted rates and Festival Travel Packages during the Montezuma International Film Festival.

If you have any questions, or you are interested in attending MIFF, please send us an This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or visit our FAQ's.


MIFF 2007:

The 2007 Montezuma International Film Festival was an amazing event. The venues were packed every night and thousands of people took place in this unique celebration of independent film. View the Montezuma International Film Festival 2007 Awards

Montezuma International Film Festival
2007 Schedule
 

The 2007 Awards:

Best Narrative Feature:
Blood Car
Dir. Alex Orr

Best Drama Feature
Vanaja
Dir. Rajnesh Domalpalli

Best Documentary Feature
Death of Two Sons
Dir. Micah Schaffer

Best Mocumentary Feature
The Doorman
Dir. Wayne Price

Best Comedy Feature
A Balancing Act
Dir. Marc Israel

Best Local Feature
PacifiCALL
Dir. Michael Cruden, Marcel Maduro

Audience Choice Feature
Last Stop for Paul
Dir. Neil Mandt

Best Director(s)
Christopher Metzler, Jeff Springer
Plagues and Pleasures on the Salton Sea

Best Experimental Short
Serenade
Dir. Sara Huslig

Best Animated Short
Life in Transition
Dir. John R. Dilworth

Best Drama Short
Crossing the Heart
Dir. Steven Hood

Best Comedy Short
Speed Dating
Dir. Crystal Liu

Best Sci-Fi Short
Mars Needs Bibles
Dir. Pete Barnstrom

Best Local Short
Atrapar un Ruisenor
Dir. Gustavo Fallas

Best Documentary Short
China: Will to Rise

Best Student Film
Para la Comunidad, Desde La Comunidad
Dir. Mark Kendall


MONTEZUMA INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
2007 SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:


Thursday November 1, 2007
_________________________

6:00 PM - MIFF Special Event: Opening Night Festival Dinner at Sano Banano
7:00 PM - MIFF Feature: A Balancing Act at Sano Banano
8:00 PM - Experimental Shorts at Los Mangos
8:00 pm - MIFF Feature: Float at Luz de Mono
8:30 PM - MIFF Feature: The Doorman at Sano Banano
9:30 PM - Animated Shorts at Luz de Mono
11:00 PM- MIFF Special Event: Opening Night Party at Luz de Mono


Friday November 2, 2007
Celebrate All Souls Day (Day of the Dead) at Montezuma International Film Festival
________________________

9:30 AM - Yoga at Los Mangos
2:00 PM - Horseback tour of Montezuma
2:00 PM - MIFF Special Event: Filmmakers Meeting at lower Montezuma Waterfall.
5:00 PM - MIFF Special Event: Art Gallery Opening at La Cascada (open daily 5:00 - 9pm)
7:00 PM - Drama Shorts at Luz de Mono
7:30 PM - MIFF Feature: Death of Two Sons at Sano Banano
8:00 PM - MIFF Feature: Last Stop For Paul at Los Mangos
8:30 PM - MIFF Feature: The Short Life of Jose Antonio Gutierrez at Luz de Mono
9:00 PM - MIFF Feature: Blood Car at Sano Banano
10:00 PM - MIFF Feature: Iraq For Sale: The War Profiteers at Luz de Mono
11:00 PM - After Party at Chicos
Midnight - Late Night Party at Luz de Mono



Saturday November 3, 2007
_______________________

10:00 AM - Boat Ride Tour to Isla Tortuga
3:00 PM - MIFF Brunch at Organico
6:00 PM - MIFF Special Event:Street Party with DJ's Mokie & Ocean, firedancers, artists, & more
7:00 PM - Comedy Shorts at Sano Banano
7:30 PM - Spanish Shorts at Luz de Mono
7:30 PM - Animated Shorts II at Los Mangos
8:30 PM - MIFF Feature: PacifiCALL at Sano Banano
8:30 PM - Drama Shorts II at Los Mangos
9:30 PM - Documentary Shorts with Rent a Rasta at Luz de Mono
11:00 PM - After Party at Chicos
Midnight - Late Night at Luz de Mono


Sunday November 4, 2007
_________________________

9:30 AM - Yoga at Los Mangos
2:00 PM - MIFF Special Event:Beach Party
6:00 PM - MIFF Special Event: Panel Discussion & Films about the Indigenous at Luz de Mono
7:00 PM - MIFF Feature: Birdsong & Coffee: A Wake Up Call at Sano Banano
7:30 PM - MIFF Feature: The Journey at Los Mangos
8:00 PM - El Agua Shorts at Sano Banano
9:00 PM - MIFF Feature: Plagues and Pleasures on the Salton Sea at Sano Banano
9:00 PM - MIFF Feature: Lost and Found in Mexico at Los Mangos
9:00 PM - MIFF Closing Feature: Vanaja at Luz de Mono
11:00 PM - After Party at Chicos

Monday November 5, 2007
_________________________

9:30 AM - Yoga at Los Mangos
1:00 PM - MIFF Special Event: Lunch at Organico
7:00 PM - Awards Announcement at Sano Banano
7:30 PM - Best of the Festival Shorts at Sano Banano
9:00 PM - Best of the Festival Feature at Luz de Mono
11:00 PM - Closing Party at Chicos

A Very Special Thank You to Our Festival Sponsors 

El Sano Banano Hotel

El Sano Banano Village Suites are located directly above our restaurant and offer A.C., warm showers and DirecTV...The Suites are very comfortable, quiet rooms for those who prefer in town comfort. Breakfast is included!

El Sano Banano Restaurant is a fun place to hang out...you can eat, shop and surf the net... we offer the widest selection of food in Montezuma and prepare everything with only the best of ingredients. Every night, we show a different movie on our giant screen for your enjoyment..


Ylang Ylang Beach Resort

Located on 20 acres of white sand beach and set in lush tropical gardens is this hidden gem, a secluded romantic getaway for travelers who want a casual resort and love the sounds of the ocean!Imagine the beach just outside your bungalow...sumptuous breakfasts and exotic candle-lit dinners...monkeys in the trees and coatis roaming wild... If you're looking to get away...this is the getaway place..

Hotel Los Mangos

Hotel Los Mangos offers both traditional rooms in their hotel, and private bungalows for  guests. The hotel is right in front of the ocean and close to the pool. Yoga classes are offered every morning from 9:30 - 11:00 AM.

The bungalows are scattered under the cool shadow of mango trees. The owner has designed the bungalows to resemble the architecture found in Bali, connected by walking roads.

Hotel Luz de Mono

Luz de Mono has 12 standard rooms located in our tropical garden, each with a queen-size bed, private bathroom with hot water, refrigerator and fan.

For families, friends, and complete privacy, we offer six casitas with beautiful views of the ocean, terraces and Jacuzzi, table and chairs to take in the sun or enjoy the beautiful jungle surroundings. Each unit has two rooms with queen-size bed, bathroom with hot water, fan and equipped kitchen.

FESTIVAL PACKAGES:

Enjoy the Montezuma International Film Festival without the hassles of making all the travel plans! Purchase a MIFF Festival Package today.

Package Price: $899 (USD) per person (only 20 available)

Package includes:

1. Four days, three nights deluxe hotel accommodations in Montezuma.

2. Screening passes and reserved seating for all festival screenings.

3. VIP event passes to all After Parties with complimentary cocktails.

4. Ground Transportation to Montezuma / San Jose (round trip).

5. Canopy, Horseback, OR ATV tour.

6. Isla Tortuga Tour.

7. Brunch daily at Organico.

8. One hour massage.

9. Daily Yoga class.

10. Tour of the Montezuma Butterfly Gardens.

11. All taxes and gratuities included.

Dates: November 13 - 16, 2008

The MIFF Package does not include airfare to Costa Rica, however, we can help you find the best deals when you purchase a package!


Call or email us to reserve your MIFF package today!
Call MIFF Special Events Director, Sarah Madden at 404-246-0365
email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Filmmakers who showcase their work during the Montezuma International Film Festival will receive special discounts on accomodations while enjoying a much needed vacation in one of the most beautiful places in the world - Montezuma, Costa Rica.

MIFF Discounted Rates*

El Sano Banano Hotel
15% off accommodations during MIFF

Ylang Ylang Beach Resort
15% off accommodations during MIFF

Hotel Los Mangos
Small room w/ shared bath / $30 per night
Large room w/ private bath / $40 per night
Bungalow / $65 per night

Hotel Luz de Mono
Standard room w/ breakfast & taxes / $65 per night
Suite w/ breakfast & taxes / $85 per night

*Discounted Rates are valid during MIFF, November 13 - 16 , 2008 for MIFF filmmakers and the general public. Be sure to mention you are coming for the Montezuma International Film Festival when making your reservation.

This is a list of FAQ's (Frequently Asked Questions) for the Montezuma International Film Festival. Please contact us with any more questions!

Where is Montezuma, Costa Rica?

Montezuma is an artistic beach town with a very laid-back, casual vibe where time stands still. All that seems to matter is soaking in the beauty of your surroundings and living for the moment... Read More

Do I need a passport or visa to get to Costa Rica?

Citizens of the United States, Canada, Great Britain, and most European nations may visit Costa Rica for a maximum of 90 days. No visa is necessary, but you must have a valid passport, which you should carry with you at all times while you're in Costa Rica. Citizens of Australia, Ireland, and New Zealand can enter the country without a visa and stay for 30 days, although once in the country, visitors can apply for an extension.  Passport Information for U.S. Citizens

Citizens of the USA, Canada, Argentina, Israel, Japan, Panama, Romania, South Korea, Uruguay, the UK and most Western European countries do not need a visa for a 90-day stay. Citizens of Australia, New Zealand, France, Sweden and most of Eastern Europe and Latin America, can stay 90 days without a visa. If you do need a visa, it will cost US$20 from a Costa Rican consulate.

What airlines fly to Costa Rica?

Commercial international flights to Costa Rica currently land either at the Juan Santamaría International Airport, located ten miles from downtown San Jose, or at the Daniel Oduber International airport in Liberia, Guanacaste. Costa Rica is serviced by numerous major carriers, with service originating from various points in Europe, the United States, Canada, the Caribbean and South America. Airlines with direct flights to Costa Rica include Continental, American, Delta, United, Iberia, KLM, British Airways, Grupo Taca, Copa, Cubana, Avianca, and Mexicana. We have found very cheap tickets from certain US destinations at Spirit Air.

Once I'm in Costa Rica, how do I get to Montezuma?

Montezuma is off the beaten path, which makes it all the more exciting when traveling there!

From San Jose or Liberia:
-From Juan Santamaría International Airport in San Jose or the Daniel Oduber International Airport in Liberia, take a bus*, shuttle** plane*** or rental car to the city of Puntarenas (in the province of Puntarenas).

-Take the Puntarenas- Paquera Ferry to Paquera. (You can buy a ticket for the ferry at the ticket counter on the street facing the docks.)

-From Paquera, take the road toward Cobano and on to Montezuma. (Buses leave from Paquera to Montezuma at 11 am every day).

*Currently, there is a direct bus from San Jose to Montezuma. Check with the bus station in San Jose for the schedule. If you can't catch a direct bus, just take th regular public bus to Puntarenas. Buses leave every hour.

**Shuttles are offered outside of the airport, or book on-line and receive a 15% discount at Montezuma Expeditions. (Discount shuttle service available for four or more people. Normal price is $35 - MIFF discounted price is $29)

The Easiest Way:

***You can fly from San Jose to Tambor and take a 30 minute taxi from Tambor to Montezuma.

Where do I stay during the festival?

Our festival accommodations offer discounts to attendees during the festival, and there are rooms for every budget in Montezuma, Costa Rica.

What events are taking place during the festival?

There will be an incredible number of things to do during MIFF inlcuding film screenings, conferences, music, artists, beach parties, street parties, late-night parties, water activities, exploring waterfalls and islands and much more. Visit our events page for more information.

Will attendees of MIFF receive any discounts?

MIFF attendees will receive special discounts on accommodations at El Sano Banano, Ylang Ylang Beach Resort, Luz de Mono and Hotel Los Mangos. Attendees will also receive 15% off food at Organico.

What venues are involved in MIFF?

Events will be held in Montezuma's biggest venues: El Sano Banano, Los Mangos, Luz de Mono, Organico, and Chicos Bar. Please visit the events page for more information on MIFF!

What other websites offer more information on Montezuma, MIFF & Costa Rica in general?