New Central American Cinema (2001-2010)

Abstract

This dissertation explores New Central American Cinema, a film movement that emerged in Central America during the 2000s. It examines feature-length fictional films produced and released in Central America between 2001-2010. Based on bibliographic sources, interviews with filmmakers and film advocates, and close film content analysis, this study identified five socioeconomic factors that characterized film production in the region: EICTV as a new training opportunity, CINERGIA as a regional funding source, digital as low-cost technology, the Icaro Central American Film Festival as an alternative channel of distribution, and a growing transnational and regional identity. It also identified migrations, gangs, and civil wars as the most recurring themes in Central American film narratives.