The Mosquito Coast is a 1986 America drama film that stars Harrison Ford, Helen Mirren and River Phoenix. Directed by Peter Weir, this story was based on the novel by Paul Theroux. The film tells the story of a family that leaves the United States and tries to look for a simpler and happier life in the jungles of Central America. However, their jungle paradise quickly turns into a dystopia as the behavior of their stubborn father becomes increasingly aggressive and erratic.

Several Movies Have Been Shot In Belize

This movie was shot in the cities of Rome and Cartersville in Georgia, in addition to Baltimore, Maryland and Belize. Although it was not the first Hollywood movie to be filmed in Belize (this honor goes to The Dogs of War which was shot in the 1980s), the story has served well as a kind of a metaphor for the film production industry in Belize. If you are inventive, creative and flexible, then Belize can very well be a filmmaker’s utopia.

Think about any of the numerous reasons a tourist comes to Belize and you will find a compelling motivation to shoot a movie or television show here. But a diverse range of culture and locations in such a small, easily accessible space is just the first draw for producers. With no language barrier, very few permit requirements, and an excellent local labor pool, Belize is a very attractive location for large feature films, small television shows and even photo assignments.

The growth of the production industry has been steady in recent years, thanks to numerous low budget feature films, several television shows and documentaries. The Belize Film Commission estimates about foreign products spent almost 2 million Belizean dollars in 2011. Looking to increase these numbers, Belize is now working on marketing itself at location fairs in the United States. Belize is also doing a few other marketing strategies to show just how much of a great venue the country is for filming.

Belize Is An AttractiveLocation For Producers

One very positive indicator of just how much the industry is growing is the establishment of an equipment rental house. Back then, producers had to bring almost all of their equipment with them from abroad, which made Belize a less convenient place to shoot. Industry professionals have also formed the Belize Audio Visual Industry Association (BAVIA) to strengthen the indigenous production history and raise local standards, as well as to lobby for policies and incentives that will help Belize expand its market as a production destination.

Belize Can Be South Hollywood

Although it may be too soon to start calling Belize the ‘Hollywood South,’ there is no doubt that we will see much more of Belize starring on screens, big or small, around the world in the years to come. That is, with the proper investment and marketing of the country’s incredible diversity of locations, culture and people. After all, Belize is doing a great job promoting their tourist spots and natural sights, so they will surely not have such a hard time getting producers to film in their place.