Black Gold: Costa Rica’s Untold History Comes to Life on the Big Screen
A bold new historical drama is set to redefine Costa Rican cinema. Black Gold is a sweeping, high-stakes feature film that delves into the role of coffee in Costa Rica’s fight for freedom during the 19th century. As the country’s most ambitious co-production to date, Black Gold brings together Costa Rican and British filmmaking talent to tell a story of war, reform, betrayal, and national identity.
Plot Summary
Set in 1855, Black Gold follows Juan Rafael Mora, Costa Rica’s reform-minded president and former coffee planter. When American filibuster and slaver William Walker seizes control of nearby Nicaragua, Mora vows to protect his nation. The film uses dramatic flashbacks to chart Mora’s rise—from modernizing his family’s plantation with fair wages and advanced methods to building critical trade ties with British merchant William Le Lacheur.
As war breaks out, Mora leads Costa Rica to a hard-won victory over Walker in 1856. But the cost is immense: a deadly cholera epidemic devastates the population, and Mora’s political allies begin to turn on him. Betrayed by his own brother-in-law, José María Montealegre, Mora is ultimately captured and executed, just like the man he helped defeat. Black Gold tells a story of ambition, patriotism, and the personal cost of leadership in a time of crisis.
Historical Background
The film is grounded in the real-life events of the Filibuster War (1855–1857), during which Costa Rica played a leading role in pushing back against U.S. expansionist William Walker. Mora’s leadership not only helped win the war but also laid the foundation for Costa Rica’s modern identity.
Despite his military success, Mora’s presidency ended in tragedy. After the war, his political rivals—led by Montealegre—overthrew him. He was executed in 1860, a fate that echoed the downfall of his former enemy, Walker. Black Gold is the first cinematic depiction of this pivotal moment in Central American history.
Cast and Creative Team
Black Gold features a global production team led by Deepak Sikka, executive producer of The King’s Speech and First Reformed. British and Costa Rican companies—including Gramercy Park Media and EQV Film Services—are collaborating on the project.
The screenplay is penned by Jeremy Sheldon, with contributions from a Costa Rican female co-writer to provide cultural authenticity. Actor Jose Palma not only portrays José María Montealegre but also plays a key role in the film’s development. With international backing and local talent, the film bridges cinematic excellence and historical integrity.
Casting Director Behind Black Gold
The film’s casting was led by Kim Picado Gutiérrez, one of Costa Rica’s most distinguished casting directors. Known for her work on Memories of a Burning Body (2024) and Black Gold, Picado Gutiérrez has built a reputation for championing local talent and ensuring performances that are both emotionally resonant and historically accurate.
In Black Gold, she curated a cast capable of portraying the political gravity and human vulnerability at the heart of Costa Rica’s story. Her deep connection to the region and experience in cinematic storytelling make her an essential part of the film’s success.
Production Significance
Black Gold is the largest and most historically ambitious film project ever undertaken in Costa Rica. Filming will take place in both Costa Rica and the UK, capturing authentic locations that reflect the period’s political and agricultural landscapes.
This co-production marks a major turning point in Latin American cinema, using international resources to elevate a national story with global relevance. The focus on coffee—as both an economic lifeline and symbol of identity—adds a unique cultural layer to the film’s central conflict.
Why Black Gold Matters
- First-of-its-kind storytelling: No other film has explored Costa Rica’s 19th-century transformation through the lens of coffee and political leadership.
- International collaboration: The film unites British and Costa Rican filmmakers to produce a feature with both artistic ambition and cultural depth.
- Powerful themes: Betrayal, nationalism, innovation, and sacrifice are all at play in this emotionally driven narrative.
- Career-launching potential: As Costa Rica’s biggest feature film to date, Black Gold offers unprecedented opportunities for local and international talent.
Stay Connected with Project Casting
Interested in auditioning for Black Gold or participating in other high-profile historical dramas? Project Casting is your trusted source for casting calls, production updates, and film opportunities.
To audition for a role in Black Gold, stay tuned to Project Casting. We’ll keep you posted as soon as jobs become available.
