Valentina Maurel's film "Forever Your Maternal Animal" will premiere in the Un Certain Regard competition at the 2026 Cannes Film Festival [1, 2].
The selection highlights the growing influence of Costa Rican cinema within the international film community. As a production set in Costa Rica, the film's presence at one of the world's most prestigious festivals signals an increase in global visibility for the region's storytelling and talent [1, 2].
Maurel, a French-Costa Rican filmmaker, makes her Cannes debut with this project [1, 2]. The film stars actress Daniela Marín Navarro [1, 2]. This project arrives almost four years [1] after Maurel's debut feature, "I Have Electric Dreams."
International sales for the film are being managed by Heretic [2, 3]. Distribution agreements have already been established for specific markets, with Cinéart handling Benelux, and JHR Films managing the French distribution [2, 3].
The film's selection coincides with a broader trend of growth in the Costa Rican film sector. Reports indicate that foreign shoots in Costa Rica have doubled [1], reflecting the country's increasing appeal as a filming location and a source of creative production [1, 2].
By securing a spot in Un Certain Regard, Maurel and the production team have positioned the film for significant critical attention. The competition typically showcases works that offer unconventional perspectives or innovative cinematic languages, fitting the trajectory of Costa Rica's emerging "golden generation" of filmmakers [1, 2].
“Valentina Maurel's film "Forever Your Maternal Animal" will premiere in the Un Certain Regard competition.”
The inclusion of a Costa Rican-set production in the Un Certain Regard section suggests that the region is transitioning from a mere filming location for foreign crews to a recognized hub of original cinematic authorship. This shift is supported by the doubling of foreign production activity, which creates a symbiotic relationship between international investment and local creative growth.
