The Root of Evil

Chalo, a security guard, dreams of owning his first fighting rooster. Once he achieves his goal, a series of unexpected events unfold, testing his hopes and the strength of friendship.

“Güilas” is a film born from the short “Amor de Temporada.” It’s made up of a series of adventures and mischief by children—those spontaneous, authentic, and restless little humans who follow their innocent impulses without fear. These impulses lead them into unexpected and funny situations, to build dreams, face disappointments, experience small great losses, and achieve great small victories.

Clara, a 40-year-old woman, is believed to have a special connection with God. As a “healer,” she supports her family and a town in need of hope while finding solace in her bond with nature. After years of being controlled by her repressive mother, Clara’s sexuality awakens when she becomes attracted to her niece’s new boyfriend. This newfound force leads her into unexplored territory, allowing her to cross both physical and mystical boundaries. Empowered by self-discovery, Clara gradually frees herself from her role as a “saint” and begins to heal herself.

Six episodes of approximately twelve minutes each narrate the challenges faced by the pioneers who developed and promoted the strong contemporary dance movement that exists in Costa Rica today and is recognized worldwide. With extensive archival footage—much of it never before seen—and the voices of living protagonists, the series highlights the obstacles they had to overcome. This project has two main purposes: to preserve the cultural memory of dance in Costa Rica and to promote the work of national dance companies and performers, both from the public and independent sectors.

Chalo, a security guard, dreams of owning his first fighting rooster. Once he achieves his goal, a series of unexpected events unfold, testing his hopes and the strength of friendship.

“Güilas” is a film born from the short “Amor de Temporada.” It’s made up of a series of adventures and mischief by children—those spontaneous, authentic, and restless little humans who follow their innocent impulses without fear. These impulses lead them into unexpected and funny situations, to build dreams, face disappointments, experience small great losses, and achieve great small victories.

Clara, a 40-year-old woman, is believed to have a special connection with God. As a “healer,” she supports her family and a town in need of hope while finding solace in her bond with nature. After years of being controlled by her repressive mother, Clara’s sexuality awakens when she becomes attracted to her niece’s new boyfriend. This newfound force leads her into unexplored territory, allowing her to cross both physical and mystical boundaries. Empowered by self-discovery, Clara gradually frees herself from her role as a “saint” and begins to heal herself.

Six episodes of approximately twelve minutes each narrate the challenges faced by the pioneers who developed and promoted the strong contemporary dance movement that exists in Costa Rica today and is recognized worldwide. With extensive archival footage—much of it never before seen—and the voices of living protagonists, the series highlights the obstacles they had to overcome. This project has two main purposes: to preserve the cultural memory of dance in Costa Rica and to promote the work of national dance companies and performers, both from the public and independent sectors.