Paz Vega Thriller ‘Death Has No Master’ Lands at Tokyo Gap-Financing Market – TIFFCOM

As a seasoned moviegoer with a penchant for international cinema, I find myself eagerly anticipating the upcoming thriller “Death Has No Master,” starring the captivating Paz Vega. The film’s shifting location from Venezuela to Colombia and its exploration of corruption, class struggle, and identity resonates deeply with me, having spent a significant part of my life immersed in the rich tapestry of diverse cinematic narratives.


The movie titled “Death Has No Master,” featuring Paz Vega, a Venezuela-based thriller directed by Jorge Thielen Armand, is taking part in TIFFCOM’s Tokyo Gap-Financing Market. The aim is to secure the remaining 30% of the film’s $1.2 million budget.

The movie, originally part of the Gap-Financing Market at Venice Production Bridge, now features Vega in the lead role as a woman coming back to Venezuela after 20 years to sell off the family’s cacao farm. Interestingly, production for this film has been moved to Colombia. The narrative unfolds as Carolina, Vega’s character, encounters former workers who have taken control of the land, leading to a tense power struggle marked by danger. This conflict stirs up past traumas from a kidnapping incident and brings forth Carolina’s inner violent tendencies that she must confront.

Armand’s latest project represents his third feature film, succeeding the critically-acclaimed “La Soledad” and “La Fortaleza.” In an interview with EbMaster, Armand shares that his films serve as platforms for exploring a fractured identity, particularly that of contemporary Venezuelans. He describes these works as pieces of a puzzle, aiming to establish a stable foundation and, over time, provide an unblemished representation of the situation. Despite spending more than a decade abroad, Armand confesses that Venezuela’s ongoing violence remains a constant burden. “Death Has No Master” continues themes from his previous productions, but this time through the eyes of a woman who has been in exile for 20 years. She grapples with complex emotions such as disillusionment, resentment, and a deep longing for a place to call home – feelings that resonate with millions of Venezuelans after eight million people have left their homeland, and this is the narrative Armand intends to convey through his film.

Armand intends to examine the effects of corruption and class conflict in modern Venezuela by using the symbolism of a struggle over a house. He suggests that we consider how a corrupt justice system fosters a cycle of violence, and ponders about the future of a generation growing up in an environment where violence is everywhere. In a nation where society is fractured and emigration continues, who rightfully claims property? Armand’s movie won’t offer solutions, but it will raise such questions.

Filmmaker Stefano Centini of Volos Films Italia was captivated by Armand’s unique portrayal of South American subjects. “Jorge’s past films demonstrate his filmmaking skill and his knack for discussing larger topics like identity and politics from a realistic, everyday perspective,” says Centini, who previously produced the Cannes-winning Chilean film “The Settlers” by Felipe Gálvez. “With his international experiences, including time spent in Italy, he has accumulated enough insights to tell stories that resonate with a wider audience,” concludes Centini.

In mid-2025, we plan to start filming our project. Our aim is to have the premiere at a festival in 2026. The team is not only trying to secure the remaining financing in Tokyo but also seeking distribution deals. Centini believes that the recent co-production treaty between Japan and Italy could be beneficial, as he has previous experience with “The Settlers,” where Taiwan supplied essential final funding and valuable creative input. Notably, Centini heads Volos Films, based in Taiwan.

“We are hoping once again Asia can be a new unexpected partner in this journey,” Centini says.

At present, Armand is working on two extra projects: a movie in English, which takes place in Canada, and a joint production between Italy and Venezuela with Centini. They are also wrapping up a brief film called “Black Pasta,” scheduled for release the following year.

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2024-10-30 04:46