As I delve into the captivating world of these visionary filmmakers, it’s evident that they each carry a unique flame, burning with passion for storytelling and pushing the boundaries of cinema.
Star-studded are these projects, featuring Steven Bauer in “My Uncle’s Movie,” Alba Flores in “The Shepherdess,” and Alfredo Castro, a regular collaborator with Larraín, in “Dog Legs.” These productions, showcased at Locarno’s networking event Match Me!, demonstrate the abundance of talent from budding non-English language filmmakers globally.
As a long-time film enthusiast with a background in international cinema, I am thrilled to share my thoughts on this year’s impressive lineup of films from 36 different producers. Having attended multiple film festivals and screenings over the years, I can confidently say that the diversity and quality of these productions are truly remarkable.
2024’s Match Me! preview hints at the growing and thrilling diversity within the worldwide art-house film industry as it continues to blend and evolve.
There’s a wide range of approaches being taken in the realm of documentaries/fiction, with numerous examples of titles, themes, and genres intertwining. Many producers are also adopting mixed funding methods. As Umberto Maria Angrisani from Mompracem in Italy states, we will be looking into combined distribution strategies, which involve both limited theater showings and online debuts, to broaden our audience and boost viewer interaction.
At Cannes, they screened films that were both critically acclaimed and popular among audiences, thanks to their American distributors. Notably, they frequently showcased titles produced on a shoestring budget compared to those that stood out at Cannes. In line with this, the Match Me! producers emphasize that their gameplays operate under similar resource constraints.
According to Chile’s Tomás Gerlach, “Dog Legs” seems to be situated somewhere between a movie that delves into both the creator’s and viewer’s purpose or calling. He finds it quite exciting!
“Globally, viewers seem to favor a new category of movies often referred to as ‘elevated art-house’ productions, indicating a demand for innovative filmmaking approaches,” notes Solal Coutard from France.
In Germany, Hakim + König Film strives to produce “popular art-house cinema” – that is, art-house movies with broader appeal. According to Ali Hakim, this endeavor involves creating such films that can attract large audiences, not just in German cinemas but also globally.
The vast majority of content creators are adopting a blend of financing methods. Umberto Maria Angrisani from Mompracem in Italy shares this sentiment, stating they will investigate blended distribution strategies that involve both traditional cinema releases and online debuts to optimize exposure and viewer interaction. In another instance, at Locarno, Angrisani also discusses a crossover film titled “Fucking Bonaparte,” a provocative piece exploring the clash between harmful masculinity and female freedom through sexual themes.
Some will ring their options in the kinds of films they produce.
As a passionate film enthusiast, I proudly share my business strategy: I prioritize creating films that echo the unique perspectives of female and LGBTIQ+ voices. To mitigate market risks, I also work on commercially viable projects alongside these passion projects. This approach is evident in my latest endeavor, “Match Me! With ‘Honey Milk’.”
The net effect is a broadening of horizons on the non English-language movie scene.
A drill-down of lead projects brought to market at this year’s Match Me!:
Brazil
Daniela Azeredo, Druzina Content
In the vibrant world of Match Me!, I proudly stand as a game-changer hailing from beyond São Paulo and Rio. Contributing significantly to the realm of production and sales, I’m proof that innovation doesn’t always stem from the traditional hotspots.
Located in Porto Alegre, Druzina Content is one of Brazil’s most recognized children/teen content creators, but they also produce sci-fi and documentary series for general audiences. The portfolio of Druzina is spearheaded by “Three Times,” a production from Bruno Bini. This film, whose first feature was 2020’s “Loop,” had Fernando Meirelles as an associate producer. In “Three Times,” a man learns about his destiny and struggles to escape it.
Rosa Caldeira, Maloka Filmes
Discussing the stories of Black LGBTQ individuals from São Paulo’s slums and organizing the city’s Cuir Festival, Caldeira – director of the award-winning short film “Perifericu” – will share insights about his upcoming feature “Eke.” This is Caldeira’s first full-length movie, which revolves around Ayo, a young trans capoeira and vogue dancer who finds hope in Bárbara, an orphaned trans teenager. Additionally, on Maloka’s Locarno roster is “Saudades Maloqueira,” directed by Well Amorim, a film about a young Black trans person who returns to his father’s favela home after many years, on Christmas Eve.
Chile
Tomas Gerlach, A Simple Vista
In Gerlach’s words at A Simple Vista in Valdivia, he notes that while auteur cinema was once the predominant choice for his generation, there’s now a growing trend to experiment with genres, blend them, and even flip them around to potentially attract larger audiences. For instance, works based on Chilean intellectual property like “Dog Legs,” which is an adaptation of a 1960 novel by Carlos Droguett, stars Pablo Larraín’s frequent collaborator Alfredo Castro as a man who adopts a child born with dog legs. Matías Rojas Valencia (“A Place Called Dignity”) directs this production, and Rhayuela Films of Colombia (“Rebellion”) takes on the role of producer.
Florencia Rodríguez Araya, Oro Films
As a passionate cinephile, I’m thrilled to be discussing some exciting projects that have caught my attention recently. Among them is “To Kill the Beast,” a standout genre film from Chilean producer Agustina San Martín. Currently, she’s backing another intriguing project titled “The Evil That Binds Us” by Nicolás Postiglione. This hidden family secret drama follows on from his critically acclaimed debut feature “Immersion.”
Barbara Valdés, Periferia Audiovisual
In the town of Locarno, “The Shorn Sheep,” Rossana Castillo’s first film, unfolds. Amanda, a 15-year-old girl from Chile’s north, who is quiet and reserved, receives an unexpected visit from her cousin from Santiago, who had hurt her in the past. Seeking justice, she devises a plan for a crime. Valdes, with a mission to foster collaboration among budding filmmakers, intends to secure financing both domestically and internationally to create feature films, documentaries, series, and short films, as stated in an interview with EbMaster.
Dominican Republic
Cristián Mojica, Mentes Fritas Film Production
Mojica intends to create films that are both entertaining and thought-provoking, blending humor with a powerful emotional impact. He refers to his work as light films set in intricate circumstances. His strategy appears to be successful, as evidenced by the 8.7 million streaming views of Yoel Morales’ “Blue Magic” (2017) and the SXSW Global Audience Award won by “Bionico’s Bachata,” also from Morales. At Locarno, he will present Morales’ newest work, “The Baker,” which they co-wrote. Jokingly, Mojica describes “The Baker” as a blend of the raw realism of “Mean Streets” and the poetic elegance of Rohrwacher’s works, but with an urban Dominican Dembow soundtrack thrown in to disrupt the serenity.
Nidsbelle Guzmán, Cronos Films & Production
As an actress by trade, she’s carving out her mark in the film industry as a triple threat – producer, director, and screenwriter – for the movie “Beyond the Mist” (“Después de la Niebla”). This cinematic experience, she describes as “sensory cinema,” connects with our deepest emotions through the use of senses and nature. The narrative follows David, a character struggling with the loss of his grandmother, who embarks on a journey into the heart of a forest, revisiting old memories. To further emphasize the characters’ emotional journeys, the production design will incorporate different stages of water as symbolism.
Estonia
Madis Tüür, Münchausen Films
As an enthusiast, I’ve had the privilege to contribute as an associate producer in Estonia’s vibrant film industry, collaborating on various projects including the Danish thriller “Boundless,” a successful box office and sales sensation by Ole Christian Madsen. Recently, I’ve been fortunate to present two of my own productions at prestigious film festivals: “Aurora,” a joint effort with Rain Tolk and Andres Maimik, showcased at Locarno; and the Estonia-Norway co-production “Container,” a gripping survival thriller from Arun Tamm, which made its debut at Haugesund’s 2022 New Nordic Films.
Volia Chajkouskaya, Allfilm
I’m proudly representing Allfilm, the team behind the 2013 Estonian film industry landmark “Tangerines,” which was nominated for an Academy Award and a Golden Globe. At Locarno Film Festival, I’m showcasing two of our projects: “Pure Art,” where I serve as producer, and “Mono,” a directorial venture of mine that tells the story of a 36-year-old woman seeking to comprehend the events that occurred when she was just 14, an age where life became unbearable for her, leading to the loss of half her hearing.
Finland
Inka Hietala, Made
Isabella Eklöf’s “Kalak,” which won the Special Jury Prize at San Sebastian 2023, and Aino Suni’s 2022 queer coming-of-age love story “Heartbeast” are two remarkable films from rising Scandinavian talent. Sevgi Eker’s debut feature, “7 p.m. on a Sunday,” is also making waves at Locarno this year. Hietala, who became a producer for Made this year, describes it as a thoughtful drama that delves into pressing issues such as youth violence, mental health struggles, and gender norms.
Anita Hyppönen, It’s Alive Films
Working at one of Finland’s most innovative, sometimes amusing, and frequently successful production companies, known for productions such as “Euthanizer,” which was an Oscar submission, and “Snot and Splash – The Mystery of Disappearing Holes,” a sales success at Locarno last year. At Match Me!, with the promising highlight “Halima,” Naima Mohamud’s debut film about a Somali girl in ’90s Finland filled with boybands, tamagotchis, and popper pants, EbMaster has revealed. According to Hyppönen, the storyline is brimming with humor and the innocent allure of childhood dreams.
France
Walid Bekhti, Malfamé
Emphasizing underserved communities, Malfamé’s projects concentrate on areas often stigmatized yet transforming into creative hotspots, as noted by Bekhti about Malfamé, whose works encompass “Better,” a film centering around Moroccan professional skateboarder Nassim Lachhab. Despite Reunion Island’s positive reputation, it will serve as the backdrop for a gritty crime thriller titled “Bouzaron.” Vincent Fontano, winner of Palm Springs ShortFest 2023 with “Set Lam,” is poised to direct the production.
Solal Coutard, Collective Cinema
Kim Lêa Sakkal’s first full-length film, previously known for her short “Immaculata” shown at Cannes’ 2024 Directors’ Fortnight, is titled “A Paradise Lost”. This movie explores the decline of a once prominent Beirut family and has been chosen for Alliance 4 Development. According to Coutard, it promises to be an intriguing exploration on privilege, featuring interactions between different social classes, delving into the complexities of human interdependencies, making it an epic experiment.
Mathilde Warisse, Wrong Films
2023 has been a remarkable year for Wrong Films, who have supported projects such as Sofia Alaoui’s award-winning film “Animalia” (Sundance Jury Prize winner), Nans Laborde-Jourdáa’s short “Bolero” (winner of the Queer Palm), and Morad Mostafa’s “I Promise You Paradise,” which won the Nikon Discovery Prize at Cannes Festival. Currently, they are showcasing “Thaoura,” a contemporary thriller by David Arslanian (director of “Underdogs”), set against Lebanon’s worst economic crisis since 1850, at Locarno Film Festival. A company worth watching closely.
Germany
Maritza Grass, Carousel Film
As a film enthusiast with a passion for international cinema, I find myself drawn to projects that showcase diverse voices and perspectives from around the globe. Having traveled extensively across continents, I have witnessed firsthand the complexities of social inequality, classism, and racism in different societies.
Ali Hakim, Hakim + Konig Film
As a devoted cinephile, I am thrilled to share that come 2023, I will be the founder and managing director of Hakim + Konig, a pioneering studio producing what we like to call “pop arthouse” – a unique blend of art-house cinema suitable for multiplexes. Our first project is “700 Days in Homs,” penned and directed by the talented duo Hakim and Sulaiman Tadmory, with an authentic touch provided by none other than Tadmory himself, who lived through the harrowing events depicted in the film. This gripping tale follows a young film student who becomes trapped with his friends in the besieged Syrian city of Homs at the hands of government troops. The story unfolds as they embark on a two-year journey for survival, with no escape route and only slivers of hope to cling onto. Currently, we are deep in development, working alongside Epikfilm, and planning to begin production in 2026.
Felix Schreiber, Sommerhaus Filmproduktion
Operating from Sommerhaus (Berlin Alexanderplatz) with supervision over international debut films like “Pas ta maman,” directed by Locarno winner Michèle Flury (“Heartbeat”), the film primarily centers around Mandy, a 24-year-old working-class woman who accepts a new nanny position for diplomats along the Mediterranean coast. This compelling psychological drama promises to delve into themes of class disparity and power abuse, sexual exploration and sexual violence, ultimately culminating in rape and murder, according to Schreiber’s description.
Italy
Umberto Maria Angrisani, Mompracem
Under the patronage of Beta Film, led by Antonio and Marco Manetti, along with Pier Giorgio Bellochio, renowned for their Diabolik adaptations, Mompracem presents “Fucking Bonaparte” at Locarno. This film blends dark comedy and erotica, revolving around Olga, a brilliant student at Padova University who operates an OnlyFans account. She challenges her Napoleon-obsessed tutor by emulating the behavior of the historical figure he studies. This production holds a promising high-concept crossover appeal.
Michele Cherchi Palmeri, MattoFilm
In the year 2022, stepping forward as a movie critic, I’m thrilled to share some exciting updates about the creative journey of a talented filmmaker, Cherchi Palmeri. Following three thought-provoking shorts, this visionary artist is currently in the process of developing two compelling documentaries.
Francesca Vargiu, Diero
Title winner of the 2020 David di Donatello Award for Best Italian Short Film and slated for the 2023 Venice Film Festival’s “The Year of the Egg,” a small production company focusing on collaborating with emerging filmmakers who value artistic autonomy, as stated by Vargiu. Presenting at Locarno, “Shooting Watermelons” by Antonio Donato, a movie set on the glittering coastline of Sardinia, in which an Italian father and his two sons encounter a wealthy English family, the Ashbys. The encounters reveal both families’ vulnerabilities while the Italians struggle against a patriarchal society that demands performance, ultimately leading to emotional repression, according to Vargiu.
Latvia
Zane Gulbe, White Picture
“Gulbe from White Picture is committed to helping both new and established directors create stories that offer insight into larger political and societal issues. Their production, ‘Oleg,’ which screened at Cannes’ Directors’ Fortnight in 2019, is a prime example. Being one of Latvia’s leading production companies, they aim to leverage the country’s cash rebate scheme and international co-production funding – as demonstrated in their project titled ‘Summer Blues,’ collaborating with Germany’s FilmFaust on a story about sibling rivalry. This film was showcased at Locarno and marks the first feature by Anna Ansone, whose short film ‘Can’t Help Myself’ received a nomination for the 2022 Latvian Film Prize for Best Short.”
Nikola Ozola, Trickster Pictures
A production company named Trickster, based in the Baltic region and headed by Matīss Kaža who is both a director, producer, and playwright, has been instrumental in creating significant animated films such as “Flow,” written and produced with Gints Zilbalodis. Recently, they have also co-produced Laurynas Bareisa’s “Drowning Dry” for the Locarno main competition. Currently, Trickster is working on post-production for Kaža’s next directorial venture, “I Love You, Lex Fridman.” This film is based on an unusual yet captivating premise: Famous Latvian actress Iveta Pole develops an intense infatuation with podcaster Lex Fridman and travels to America to propose marriage. Interestingly, Pole is also a co-director in this production.
Lithuania
Justinas Pocius, Smart Casual
2022 will see the establishment of Smart Casual, a venture by Vilnius-based producer Giedre Pocius along with Rūta Petronyte. They will contribute two early feature film projects to Match Me!, one being “Hold Me Closer” directed by Irma Pužauskaitė. This production is set as a collaboration between Lithuania, Latvia (Mima Films), France (Dolce Vita Films) and boasts the expertise of established screenwriter Birutė Kapustinskaitė. The film explores profound themes such as intimacy, love expressions, and the limits of affection, as revealed by Pocius in an interview with EbMaster.
Lineta Lasiauskaite, Plopsas
As a lover of independent cinema, I am thrilled by the news that Egle Razumaite’s “Ootid” has been selected for Cannes competition this year. This recognition serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration for filmmakers like myself who are committed to creating high-quality, non-mainstream films. The journey of a creative artist can often be fraught with challenges and uncertainties, but moments like these remind us that our efforts are not in vain.
Poland
Maria Leźnicka, Haja Films
Based in Lodz, the company employs a unique storytelling approach, combining comedy and thriller elements as a base, only to later transcend these boundaries to tackle serious themes like personal relationships and family crises, according to Leźnicka. For instance, “Seasons,” a production by Michał Grzybowski (known for “Beloved Neighbours”), which was supported by Viaplay and recognized at the Studio+ workshop at IFF New Horizons, is categorized as a “bittersweet dramedy.” This series follows the evolving relationship between two local actors across three plays, with their characters significantly impacting the narrative.
Kinga Tasarek, Madants
As a passionate cinephile, I find myself captivated by the groundbreaking work of Madants, a trailblazing production house at the epicenter of Poland’s bustling international co-production landscape. They have been instrumental in bringing to life masterpieces such as Agnieska Holland’s “Charlatan,” Valdimir Johannsson’s “Lamb” and Agnieszka Smoczyńska’s “Silent Twins.” Currently, I’m eagerly anticipating their latest project, “The Lawyer,” from the talented Maciek Bochniak. This riveting documentary delves into the life of Brian Mwenda, a Kenyan legal titan who astoundingly self-taught his way through law by watching YouTube and shows like “Boston Legal.” For us at Madants, this isn’t just a tale about a man who beat the odds; it’s an exploration of the intricate human spirit and the hazy lines between righteousness and moral ambiguity. Tasarek, from Madants, encapsulates our sentiments perfectly when he says, “For us, this documentary is more than just a story about a man; it’s about the complexity of the human spirit and the blurred boundaries between what’s right and wrong.”
Ludwika Waszkiewicz, Film Produkcja
The creative mind behind Robert Hloz’s science fiction thriller “Restore Point,” which triumphed at the Czech Lions and graced the Piazza Grande title at Locarno with “My Neighbour Adolf” (starring David Hayman, Udo Kier), as well as Agnieska Holland’s “Mr. Jones.” Currently engaged in the debut feature of Agnieszka Mania, a gripping narrative about despair, depression, guilt, and love’s triumph over these forces titled “Until the Heart Burns.”
Portugal
Liliana S. Lasprilla, Sabina Films
Based in Porto, Vanessa Ribeiro Rodrigues, a producer, serves as a minority partner on various international productions such as Spain’s “Head on the Wall.” As she prepares for her first feature film, “The Sand Spell,” a documentary about Portugal’s colonial war in Mozambique told from the perspective of Mozambican voices, Sabina Films and Real Ficção, both based in Portugal, are producing this project. The production is also backed by Portugal’s state agency ICA, Sony Portugal, and Colorfoto. As an upcoming producer, Lasprilla shared with EbMaster that she is primarily working on international projects as a minority partner, while also nurturing new national talents with innovative ideas.
Sofia Mirpuri, Story in a Box
As a passionate advocate for this innovative TV series, “Listen to My Lips,” produced by the Locarno film-TV company, I am thrilled to be involved with a project that brings to life the journey of an ambitious, hard-of-hearing millennial actress-producer, portrayed by Mirpuri. This character moves to Lisbon in pursuit of her dreams in the film industry.
Bruno Moraes Cabral, Wonder Maria Filmes
As a follower, I’m excited to be part of the team at Match Me!, where Moraes Cabral co-founded our latest production, “The Last Summer.” This is the third feature from our partner João Nuno Pinto, who also directs the RTP premium series “Natural Law.” The story unfolds on an old family farm that’s about to be sold. When a forest fire sweeps through the countryside, it forces two sisters and the daughter of the elderly housekeeper to confront their differences and find reconciliation. “The Last Summer” is a collaboration between Wonder Maria Filmes, Albolina Film from Italy, and Aurora Cine in Argentina.
Spain
Charli Bujosa, Mansalva Films
In the town of Locarno, the movie “The Shepherdess” or “La Pastora” is being showcased, featuring Alba Flores from “Money Heist”. This film revives the character of Florenci Pla, an intersexual guerrilla fighter post-Spanish Civil War, whose captivating and deeply human life story becomes entwined with that of the movie’s writer-director Cande Lázaro during their personal and professional transitions. Notably, this film has been chosen for San Sebastian’s esteemed Ikusmira Berriak development program. Additionally, Mansalva is working on an innovative procedural titled “Flesh” as well as stop-motion animation in collaboration with David Castro, partner of Bujosa. This diverse and trailblazing portfolio is certainly worth noting.
Carlota Darnell, Cornelius Films
Cornelius intends to create “animated films with grand ambitions for a wide range of viewers, within the realm of auteur cinema,” including the upcoming stop-motion film “Olivia and the Invisible Earthquake.” Additionally, he plans to take on more daring narrative projects as a minority co-producer, such as “My Uncle’s Movie” directed by Natalia Cabral, one half of the Dominican Republic-based duo Oriol Estrada and Natalia Cabral (“Miriam Miente”). This film is produced by Lantica Studios, features Stephen Bauer, and is directed by Cabral.
Laura Egidos Plaza, Contraria
“Egidos Plaza stated to EbMaster last September that they aren’t particular about the genre or style of stories, instead seeking those with a powerful message that provoke thought on relevant themes. The project ‘March 14th’ (‘Catorce de marzo’), spearheaded by Locarno and developed at ECAM film school’s Incubator under the guidance of ‘Verónica’ director Paco Plaza and ‘Lullaby’ producer Marisa Fernández Armenteros, is one such story. This film, directed by Alberto Gross, focuses on a child’s perspective of his parents’ divorce.”
Taiwan
Ivy Y.H. Chiang, 1510 Workshop Co.
In 2023, before the pandemic interrupted, the Estonian director Rainer Sarnet’s quirky kung fu comedy “The Invisible Flight,” which was scheduled for filming in Taiwan, will see actress Shu Qi participating. Prior to this, she will contribute two of her own projects to another production titled “Match Me!”. The first, “Indigo Boy”, is a fantasy film marking the feature debut of renowned music video director Bill Chia, exploring themes related to depression. The second, “Counterpunch Boxing,” is a social drama focusing on a Taiwanese Atayal boxer who imparts boxing skills to indigenous children, aiming at their integration.
Susan Huang, Mercury The Third Production Co.
As a film enthusiast who has spent countless hours immersed in the captivating world of cinema, I find myself drawn to the unique and thought-provoking projects that challenge conventional storytelling. The recent announcement of Chu Chun-Teng’s first feature film, “Eel,” caught my attention immediately. As a director, Huang has a knack for crafting compelling narratives, as evidenced by his choice to adapt this fantastical love story about desire and belonging.
Amanda Manyin Tseng, ENLA Media
A Taiwanese manufacturer, known for “Salli,” a co-production between Taiwan and France that was screened at Busan and subsequently acquired for global distribution by ArtHood Entertainment based in Berlin, is also behind “Honey Milk.” This film centers around a meticulous plastic surgeon grappling with her transformation into motherhood, finding solace in alcohol. The plotline uncovers the hidden truth about the emptiness in contemporary motherhood, as suggested by the storyline.
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2024-08-06 12:22