CONCACAF Films

When it comes to the Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF), USA and Mexico are head and shoulders above all the other nations. Both countries are expected to qualify for every World Cup. The two nations also have a healthy film industry which ensures there is no shortage of films to select from for these World Cup Film Festivals. On the flipside, there are always CONCACAF nations which have next to no film industry, making it hard to find even one film. Thankfully, that was not the case this year as the hard work of finding films from Honduras was done four years ago.

Costa Rica

Film 1: Cold Water of the Sea (2010, Paz Fabrega)
Film 2: Gestacion (2009, Esteban Ramírez)
Film 3: Caribe (2004, Esteban Ramírez)

Esteban Ramírez is the most recognizable name when it comes to searching for Costa Rican Cinema.

Honduras

Film 1: El Porvier (2008, Oscar Estrada)
Film 2: Amor y frijoles (2009, Mathew Kodath/Hernan Pereira)
Film 3: Mi Amigo Angel (1962, Sami Kafati, short film 31 minutes)

Mexico

Film 1: El Violin (2005, Francisco Vargas)
Film 2: Post Tenebras Lux (2012, Carlos Reygadas)
Film 3: Presagio (1975, Luis Alcoriza), based on a story by Gabriel García Márquez

USA

Film 1: Blue Ruin (2013, Jeremy Saulnier)
Film 2: Blue Caprice (2013, Alexandre Moors)
Film 3: Faces (1968, John Cassavetes)

For the US Film #3, the intention was to pick a film that fell outside of the studio system. John Cassavetes was an easy choice.