Latido Pounces On Surreal Sundance Player ‘Rains Over Babel’ (EXCLUSIVE)

by

As a passionate movie enthusiast, I’m thrilled to share that Latido Films, known for backing successful Latin art-house cinema like Rodrigo Sorogoyen’s “The Beasts” and Alauda Ruiz de Azúa’s groundbreaking film “Lullaby,” has secured the international sales rights for Colombian director Gala del Sol’s debut feature, “Rains Over Babel.” This exciting news comes before its world premiere at Sundance!

Juan Torres from Latido Films negotiated the agreement and shared with EbMaster that they had discovered a captivating project, one that was contemporary, engaging, and filled with fun, yet also offered depth in its concepts. He further emphasized that it was a potent cinematic journey because of the intensity it conveyed. To put it simply, it was a precious gem in the realm of Ibero-American cinema. Latin American films remain an area of focus for us, and we were more than happy to contribute to this endeavor.

Or

Juan Torres, from Latido Films, finalized the deal and informed EbMaster that they’d found a project brimming with modern appeal, entertainment value, and hidden depths in its ideas. He also highlighted that it was an emotionally charged cinematic adventure. In essence, it was a valuable gem in Ibero-American cinema. Supporting Latin American films is important to us, and we couldn’t resist being part of this production.

The movie is set in a seedy, flamboyant imitation of Dante’s Inferno, with a rundown bar named Babel serving as the central location, representing purgatory. As events progress, we see rebellious and distressed outcasts appealing to the local magistrate, La Flaca, who wields immense power over them. She is adorned in lavish attire, symbolizing her authority.

In this rephrased version, I aimed to make the text more approachable while maintaining the original’s essence and style.

According to Gala del Sol, the movie developed from combining personal memories and a wish to portray the afterlife as a place where laughter and sorrow intermingle. With a punk-inspired style and a touch of the tropics, she aimed to delve into Death not merely as an end but as a vibrant storytelling festival that must be shared.

During the pandemic, she led a collective writing process involving many energetic performers. She clarified that they utilized this project as a means to delve into the concept of mortality from a lively and tactile perspective.

For the first time in my life, I found myself confronting Death and illness up close. This experience sparked a flurry of thoughts: If given the chance, would I trade several years for Death itself? Could I rescue my loved ones from its grasp? What does Death truly look like? Where might she reside? These musings fueled the development of La Flaca, the embodiment of Death in the City of Maya, whose existence serves as the central theme woven through the film’s four interconnected stories.

This project offers an extraordinary, enigmatic journey through the mind, maintaining a thrilling speed that engages all senses when combined with its powerful soundtrack and vibrant visuals. Every character is accentuated within the scenes, which are painted against richly saturated backdrops and adorned with opulent costumes. Spanning a wide range of themes, it stands as a fitting tribute to the mysteries of the universe and the culture, joy, and camaraderie that permeate even the darkest subcultures.

Gala del Sol acknowledged that the notion of ‘purgatory’ as a local bar originated from the belief that it’s in liminal spaces – places that are neither here nor there, physically or emotionally – where the most profound transformations occur. A bar is unique because it’s both intensely social and deeply personal, a place for joy, remorse, intimacy, and introspection. Despite being surrounded by people, one can still feel incredibly isolated. It seemed to her that this setting perfectly symbolized purgatory, where characters grapple with their past actions and decisions in an environment that’s both real and dreamlike.

The director is involved in the project’s creation along with her Colombian production company, Gala del Sol Films, which collaborates with Fabrica Mundi, based in the US, Colombia, and Spain. She acknowledges her family as contributors and additional producers, noting that their involvement added a deeply personal touch to the production, making it more than just a film-making endeavor; it was about creating something significant together.

Being both director and producer through Gala del Sol Films has been a valuable experience in learning resilience and teamwork. Collaborating on this project meant forming partnerships beyond borders and working with artists who shared our film’s vision. Independent filmmaking, especially when not tied to Hollywood, necessitates creative solutions, and co-productions play a crucial role in this. They allow us to combine resources, access local knowledge, and create films that are culturally diverse yet universally relatable at a fraction of the usual cost.

Through this project, I aimed to demonstrate that with minimal resources, independent filmmakers from Latin America can break through creative and cultural barriers. ‘Rains Over Babel’ showcases the strength of collaboration: it’s a tale woven by multiple perspectives, yet grounded in universal themes such as love, death, and identity.

This fantastical voyage filled with joyful indulgence showcases a star-studded lineup, featuring John Nárvaez (from “Rebelión”), Sofía Buenaventura (“Echo 3”), Celina Biurrun (“Erebus”), John Alex Castillo (“Goles en contra”), Sarai Rebolledo (“Love of my Life”), and Felipe Aguilar Rodríguez. The movie will have its premiere in Park City on January 26, followed by Rotterdam.

Read More

2025-01-21 19:17