As the Association of Film Commissioners International (AFCI) celebrates its 50th anniversary, Colombia’s journey illustrates the profound impact AFCI has had on emerging markets worldwide. Over the past two decades, Colombia evolved from an underutilized filming destination to a thriving hub for global storytelling. Much of this transformation is thanks to the Colombia Film Commission’s collaboration with AFCI, which empowered the nation to navigate challenges, build capacity, and attract international productions.

Silvia Echeverri, Colombia’s Film Commissioner from Proimágenes Colombia – Colombia Film Commission, reflects on how AFCI catalyzed this change, opening doors for Colombia to become a global player in the screen sector.

The Dawn of Opportunity

Before the Colombia Film Commission was established, the country saw limited international productions, with a few exceptions like Chronicle of a Death Foretold, Quemada, and Fitzcarraldo. However, the global recognition of Colombian filmmakers at international festivals revealed a clear opportunity for the nation to position itself as a competitive filming destination.

“Our turning point came 18 years ago when we started searching for global references to guide our journey,”. “We discovered AFCI, which connected us to a global network of film commissions and provided invaluable insights into industry standards.”

“We were at a turning point when Colombia established its Film Commission around 18 years ago. At that time, we had extensive experience promoting Colombian cinema and strengthening our local film industry. However, we saw a vast opportunity emerging,” Echeverri shares. 

At that time, a growing number of Colombian production companies were selected to present their films at international festivals. This global exposure gave them a unique platform to offer production services to foreign projects looking to film in Colombia.

Echeverri continues, “One of our first initiatives was to look for global references to guide our work. In that search, we quickly discovered AFCI, an association of film commissions that had already been established for over 30 years by the time we came across it. This was pivotal for us, as it connected us to a global network of film commissions and gave us valuable insight into how other countries organized their film industries.”

One of the Film Commission’s first significant steps was attending the Location Trade Show, an event organized by AFCI. Here, they engaged with Latin American film commissions and executives from major studios, showcasing Colombia’s potential as a unique and resourceful filming destination. Shortly after, productions like Love in the Time of Cholera highlighted the nation’s capacity to host large-scale projects, solidifying its place on the global stage​.

The Role of Incentives in Building Momentum

Attending AFCI events underscored the importance of production incentives in attracting international filmmakers. At the time, incentives were not a central part of Colombia’s film policy, but with guidance from AFCI, the Film Commission developed and implemented competitive incentive programs. These included tax rebates and funding structures that drew productions seeking cost-effective yet stunning filming locations.

“We’ve gone from almost no international production to hosting between 30 and 40 productions annually. This dramatic shift is a testament to the impact that AFCI’s global network, policies, and resources have had on Colombia’s position in the international screen industry,” says Echeverri.

Colombia is now recognized not only for its stunning locations but also for its skilled crew and rich, compelling stories. Echeverri elaborates, “AFCI’s efforts in promoting film commissions, sharing best practices, and fostering collaboration among members have been essential in enabling regions like ours to thrive and transform into destinations of choice for international filmmakers.” 

Skills and Capacity Building

AFCI’s training programs also played a pivotal role in enhancing Colombia’s local capacity. One standout initiative was a workshop on Movie Magic, an essential software for budgeting and scheduling. Through our collaboration with AFCI, they generously provided us with the software licenses needed to conduct the workshop.

“This initiative, in partnership with the Bogotá Film Commission, allowed us to offer local professionals in Colombia the opportunity to learn how to use this industry-standard tool effectively. AFCI’s support was crucial in making this workshop happen, as it gave us access to a global network and valuable resources that we otherwise would not have had,” Echeverri continues. 

It’s a prime example of how AFCI’s network and partnerships can directly impact and enhance initiatives in the local screen sector. The partnership ensured that Colombia could support productions of all sizes, from independent films to major studio projects​.

A Historic Moment: Cineposium in Bogotá

One of Colombia’s most significant milestones with AFCI was hosting Cineposium in Bogotá in 2022—the first time the event was held in Latin America. For Echeverri, who served on AFCI’s board at the time, this was a proud moment that underscored Colombia’s growth and its role as a leader in the region’s film industry.

“The Cineposium in Bogotá was a key moment for our region. It allowed us to showcase our country’s potential and connect with industry leaders worldwide. This was a massive achievement for the Latin American film community and a clear reflection of how far AFCI’s impact has reached,” she recalls. 

Sustainability and Innovation

A shared commitment to sustainability has also marked Colombia’s journey with AFCI. Through AFCI’s advocacy, the Colombia Film Commission adopted environmentally responsible practices that minimize the impact of film productions on local communities and ecosystems.

Sustainability has become a cornerstone of Colombia’s approach, and AFCI has helped prioritize green initiatives, ensuring that our industry grows responsibly and benefits future generations.

The Power of Partnerships

AFCI’s network has fostered partnerships that have propelled Colombia’s screen sector forward. One example is the Colombia Film Commission’s collaboration with the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA), which recognized Colombia as a model for Latin American film commissions. Similarly, Netflix’s ongoing investment in Colombia—with nearly 30 projects, including One Hundred Years of Solitude (Cien años de soledad) and Eva Lasting (La Primera Vez)—reflects the country’s emergence as a trusted production hub.

“These collaborations exemplify the power of AFCI’s global reach in fostering relationships that drive regional growth and elevate local talent and stories onto the international stage.” Echeverri highlights​.

A Vision for the Future

Looking ahead, Echeverri believes that AFCI will play an even more significant role in fostering growth in emerging markets. She envisions AFCI expanding its support for developing economies in regions like Latin America and Africa, empowering them to unlock their full potential.

Echeverri also encourages new members to “fully immerse yourself in AFCI’s opportunities. Attend events like Cineposium and AFCI Week, which provide a unique chance to stay updated on global industry trends and build meaningful relationships with key players. These gatherings are the cornerstone of networking and can significantly expand your professional circle.” 

She continues with, “Above all, take full advantage of AFCI’s resources and initiatives. By engaging actively and leveraging these tools, new members can elevate their film commissions, align with international best practices, and contribute to the collective growth of the global audiovisual industry.” 

“AFCI will grow, strengthen, and become a guiding force in fostering collaboration and advancing the audiovisual industry globally,” Echeverri concludes. 

About Proimágenes Colombia – Colombia Film Commission

Proimágenes Colombia leads the nation’s efforts to promote its unique landscapes, cultural heritage, and skilled workforce as a premier destination for global filmmaking. With AFCI’s support, Colombia continues to enhance its reputation as a hub for world-class storytelling. 

Learn more at Proimágenes Colombia.