Chile’s Juntos Films, Colombia’s Angie Cepeda and Juan Pablo Raba Board Sanfic Fiction Lab Project ‘Domestic Animals’ (EXCLUSIVE)

As a cinephile who has spent countless hours immersed in the rich tapestry of Latin American cinema, I find myself captivated by the upcoming project “Domestic Animals.” Having traversed the complexities and contradictions of Latin American narratives, I can confidently say that this film promises to delve deep into the human experience, much like a seasoned fisherman casting his net into the depths of a vast ocean.


Chile’s Juntos Films and two well-known Colombian actors, Angie Cepeda (from “Rebellion”) and Juan Pablo Raba (from “Narcos”), are set to join the cast of “Domestic Animals,” a drama directed by Rafael Martínez Moreno from Colombia. This film is taking part in the Sanfic Fiction Lab at the Santiago Film Festival.

As a passionate cinephile, I’m thrilled to be teaming up with Juntos Films in collaboration with Ivan Luna and Diana Pérez Mejia from Colombia’s Ferviente Films. Together, we’re taking on the task of adapting the beloved tale penned by Antonio Garcia Angel, with screenplay contributions from Diego Cañizal (Spain) and Juliana Ospina (Colombia).

In “Domestic Animals,” 55-year-old housekeeper Felicidad works for the seemingly flawless Ibarra family in Miami. However, they conceal sinister truths beneath their polished exterior. As Felicidad becomes ensconced in their opulent lifestyle, she observes the disintegration of Guillermo (Raba)’s marriage to Claudia (Cepeda), a former beauty queen. As her romantic connection with Luis fades, Felicidad comes to understand that she’s confined within a facade, just like the unattended fish she tends in their glass mansion.

“When we came across ‘Domestic Animals,’ it felt distinctly Latin American in nature. The story follows the character, Felicidad, as she embarks on an immigration journey, encountering hurdles due to inequality and classism. Yet, her tale is presented with a sense of decency and hope. From what we can see, Rafael’s intention was not to glamorize migration but rather to delve into the intricate human experience, filled with complexities and paradoxes. This compelling narrative is what prompted us to join forces as co-producers for this project,” explained Francisco Hervé and Felipe Egaña from Juntos Films.

“This choice further solidifies our robust collaboration with Ferviente Films, a partner we’ve worked hand-in-hand with not just on this project but also others. They mentioned this in relation to the upcoming production, ‘Reina Japonesa,’ which is currently being developed and scheduled to begin filming in April of the next year.”

The narrative delves into intricate and relatable themes for Luna, such as the chase for upper-class prestige, the cloudy essence of the American Dream, and the struggles to establish meaningful relationships amidst the self-created cultural obstacles of class. As Luna pointed out, these barriers frequently restrict the characters, trapping them in their own social aquariums.

I’m aiming to access film funds from Colombia, Chile, and potentially two additional collaborators, preferably from Mexico and Europe. The primary filming will occur in Colombia, with at least a week set aside for exterior shots in Miami. We plan to complete the financing stage next year, and if all goes well, we’ll start shooting during the first half of 2026.

“What really grabbed my attention in this tale was the way it showed that, despite appearing to hail from distinct realms, shared vulnerabilities bring us together,” Cepeda pointed out.

In her discussion with EbMaster, Pérez Mejia highlighted Martínez’s debut film “El Piedra” as evidence of his exceptional ability to work with actors, demonstrating both skill, talent, and sensitivity. She also emphasized the invaluable contribution of writer Juliana Ospina, stating that her participation is essential in providing a crucial female perspective that shapes the main characters and the intricate relationship between Felicidad and Claudia. This focus on feminine viewpoint holds significant importance to Pérez Mejia, given her role as a woman, creative producer, and project leader.

Sanfic kicked off on August 18 and wraps on the 25th.

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2024-08-22 21:19