Guatemala is close to enacting its first film law. On March 10, Guatemala’s Congress is scheduled to enter final deliberations on Initiative 5906. If Initiative 5906 passes, Guatemala will no longer be one of the few countries in Latin America without a legal framework for its audiovisual industry.
The Ibero-American Film and Audiovisual Production Federation, FIPCA, is leading the call for international support for the bill, which has already collected more than 3,500 signatures. This includes signatures from Guatemala’s leading Ibero-American audiovisual artists Oscar Isaac (“Frankenstein”) and Jayro Bustamante (“La Llorona,” “Ixcanur”).
“This law is essential if we want to stop losing talent and stories. Until now, people who have stood out in the arts have been the exception rather than the rule. What’s really important is to normalize the idea that the country should actively support the cultural industry. Those of us who have found a voice in the film industry today have been able to do so, largely because of the support of the foreign film industry,” Bustamante told Variety.
FIPCA President Ignacio Rey said: “The Ibero-American audiovisual community is following this debate closely. In Latin America, film law has proven to be an effective tool for economic development and job creation. Guatemala is one of the few countries in the region that does not yet have a specific legal framework, and its recognition will allow the country to fully integrate into international co-production networks.”
“For nearly 20 years, we have been fighting for a national film law. At the same time, we have continued to make films that go against the tide and enter film festivals, win awards and put our country on the world stage,” said Joaquín Ruano, president of the Guatemalan Association. It is clear that with the right incentives and safeguards, we can build a strong, sustainable industry that truly serves the country. We are motivated and inspired by these challenges, although we know there are still many challenges ahead.” Audiovisual and Cinematography, FIPCA Representative.
The initiative envisages the creation of a Guatemalan Film Institute, a Film Promotion Fund, a Film Commission to operate as a one-stop shop for international productions, a National Cinematheque, and a National Superior Film School.
For Bustamante, whose films have represented his country in the international feature Oscar three times (Ixcanul, La Llorona and Rita), the lack of film law is a source of frustration for him and his colleagues. “The prevailing local mindset remains narrow. There is still the argument that adding a $1 surcharge to every ticket paid by foreign tourists will somehow devastate international tourism. The public’s support will not go to the movies at all. Some argue that it should not be directed to AI, and that young people should be allowed to make films that way.
The data provided by FIPCA claims that “regional experience provides clear and measurable evidence: in Mexico City, the film industry contributes about 12% of the local GDP; in the Dominican Republic, after the implementation of the film law, the sector increased the national GDP by 0.32%; in Panama, the audiovisual industry forms part of the creative industries, accounting for nearly 6% of GDP; in Costa Rica, these industries account for about 3% of GDP.”
Gabriela Sandoval, Vice President of FIPCA, said: “The numbers for the region are clear. In regions where there are structured audiovisual policies, such as funds, film commissions and incentives, transcultural value chains are activated and the economic impact is measurable. Guatemala already has talent and an international track record. What is being debated now is whether the country will choose to translate that talent into sustainable development policies.”
FIPCA led the freeze on proposed changes to Argentina’s law that would have abolished traditional funding mechanisms for film and television organization INCAA. The petition, signed by nearly 1,000 Ibero-American film industry leaders, helped persuade Argentina’s Congress to shelve the proposal and allow two more years of public debate and advocacy.
