The Altar Boy, the Priest and the Gardener () is a 2025 Costa Rican documentary film written, co-produced, co-filmed, co-edited and directed by Juan Manuel Fernández. It follows the testimonies and search for justice of two men who were sexually abused as children by the priest Mauricio Víquez Lizano.
It was selected as the Costa Rican entry for the Best International Feature Film at the 98th Academy Awards, but it was not nominated.
Synopsis Two men have reported the sexual abuse they suffered during their childhood at the hands of Mauricio Víquez Lizano, a Catholic priest. This incident sparked an international investigation, marked by the priest's escape and the complainants' tireless fight for justice.
Narrator
Anthony Venegas Abarca Josué Alvarado Quirós
Production In 2018, director Juan Manuel Fernández became interested in the case of Anthony Venegas Abarca while watching the news in his country. The film was shot over a period of 6 years, beginning at the Presidential Palace of Costa Rica.
Release The film had its world premiere on June 25, 2025, at the 13th Costa Rica International Film Festival, and was then commercially released on July 17, 2025, in Costa Rican theaters.
Accolades YearAward / FestivalCategoryRecipientResultRef.202513th Costa Rica International Film FestivalBest Costa Rican Feature FilmThe Altar Boy, the Priest and the Gardener
See also
List of submissions to the 98th Academy Awards for Best International Feature Film List of Costa Rican submissions for the Academy Award for Best International Feature Film
References
External links