Hollywood Icon Backs Costa Rican Romance Film

Hollywood producer Mark Johnson, a veteran of AMC projects like 'Breaking Bad,' is now backing the indie romantic drama 'Hope/Esperanza.' Filming commenced recently across various Costa Rican locations and is scheduled to conclude by the end of May. This project marks a directorial debut for Emmy-winning documentarian Abigail Fuller, who also penned the screenplay, drawing inspiration from her youth.

The narrative centers on a teenager seeking freedom abroad through a foreign exchange program in Costa Rica. Her journey takes an unexpected turn when she develops a forbidden relationship with an undocumented Nicaraguan immigrant, creating significant risks amidst simmering immigration tensions. The film explores her path toward self-discovery and determining her sense of belonging.

The production features a cast including newcomer Olivia Daponde, Mayra Hermosillo, Betsy Brandt, Virgilio Delgado, and Lara Yuja Mora. Alejandra Cardenas serves as executive producer, with Esteban Quesada as the Costa Rican producer and Sarah Quintero and Jessica Mollo as co-producers. Alexander D. Paul is the director of photography, and Rocio Gimenez is the production designer. Notably, the majority of the extensive cast and crew are from Costa Rica, with contributions from other Latin American regions.