The Fantastic Lab Central America & Caribbean has announced its winners, with 'We Won’t Let the Goat Die' taking the grand prize at the Cannes Fantastic Pavilion.
A Prestigious Recognition
Presented by Baby Atómica, the winning project is a co-production involving Costa Rica, Peru, and Panama. The film, produced by Variety Talent to Track DoP Nicolas Wong ('La Llorona', 'Love is the Monster'), will see director Felipe Zúñiga and Wong collaborating on a proof of concept in Costa Rica.
The fantasy drama centers on Bernardo, a 10-year-old boy who, after his father's death, clings to his mother while secretly caring for an injured baby goat in the rainforest.
Project Genesis and Growth
Launched at the Costa Rica Media Market with Grupo Morbido, the Fantastic Lab received 55 project submissions. Fifteen were shortlisted for mentorship by genre filmmaker Adrian Garcia Bogleano, leading to six finalists. The finalists reflect a regional trend towards politically charged genre cinema, transforming horror into a medium for memory and social tension.
Spotlight on Finalists
- 'Cacao Tea', directed by Marcia Isabel Arenas Víquez from Costa Rica, Spain, Mexico, explores spiritual retreats' dark undercurrents.
- 'Echoes', by Kryzz Gautier of the Dominican Republic, delves into gothic horror through time-traveling romance.
- 'Greetings from Maryland', by Ricardo B'atz' from El Salvador, merges immigrant labor issues with supernatural terror.
- 'Macheteros', by Daniel Emilio Oramas from the Dominican Republic, combines folklore with environmental horror.
- 'The Fire Within', by Javier Suazo Mejía from Honduras, Mexico, Spain, uncovers familial secrets amid supernatural phenomena.
- 'What Comes With the Storm', by Miguel Angel Ferrer from Costa Rica, U.S., tackles survival horror during a hurricane.
Industry Impact
Laura López, General Manager of Costa Rica's Foreign Trade Promotion Agency, praised the initiative for strengthening regional talent and fostering international connections. Pablo Guisa, CEO of Grupo Morbido, highlighted the diversity of themes and the vibrant cultural expressions showcased at the Fantastic Lab.
Source: https://variety.com/2026/film/global/fantastic-lab-central-america-caribbean-fantastic-pavilion-1236749369/
