From Piñata Sellers to Bone Collectors: 5 Must-See Central American Movies at Ícaro New York

It can be tough to keep up with all the film festivals hitting New York at any given time. It can also get expensive. Which is why whenever a program like the Ícaro New York comes around showcasing Central American cinema with free screenings open to the public, we can’t overstate our excitement.

Now in its fifth year, the fest is taking over the Instituto Cervantes New York later this month for a week full of screenings from the region’s best and brightest. The number of films may be small, but there’s enough variety to remind you of the bountiful talent slowly emerging from these burgeoning film industries. Whether you want to catch an essayistic take on grief and loss set in Costa Rica, a road trip comedy making waves in Guatemala, a stark look at violence in El Salvador, or a weed-scented coming of age tale from Panama, Ícaro has you covered. Check out the films playing below and mark your calendars accordingly.

Ícaro New York runs September 20-23, 2016 at the Instituto Cervantes New York.