LGBT rights in Paraguay binding on Costa Rica and sets a binding precedent for other Latin American and Caribbean countries including Paraguay. There is currently a lawsuit to recognize same-sex marriage that relies on the IACHR ruling pending with the courts. Same-sex sexual activity has been legal in Paraguay since 1880. The age of consent in Paraguay is 16 for homosexuals and 14 for heterosexuals. During the dictatorship of Alfredo Stroessner from 1954 to 1989, LGBT people faced heavy persecution and were forced to maintain secret lives. On 1 September 1959, a fire broke out in the capital city of Asunción. Bernardo Aranda, a
Cinema of Paraguay "Felipe Canasto" (2010) and "Semana Capital" (2010). Funding remains a problem, however, and the market is dominated largely by American and Argentine films. In 2015 Paraguay submitted its first entry for consideration for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film, Arami Ullon's documentary "Cloudy Times". In September 2017, the Film Academy of Paraguay chose its second candidate for the Oscar award, "Los buscadores" ("Gold Seekers") by Juan Carlos Maneglia and Tana Schémbori, directors of "7 Boxes". "Memory Exercises" by Paz Encina was also nominated for a Goya Award in Spain. In October 2017, the Senate approved with half sanction