Luxbox Acquires Berlinale Competition Title ‘The Message,’ directed by Iván Fund (EXCLUSIVE)

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Based in Paris, Luxbox has secured the global distribution rights for Ivan Fund’s film “The Message,” which was a part of the competition at the Berlinale Film Festival.

Nestled within the heart of Argentina’s countryside, a film unfolds, focusing on a young girl whose unique talent drives her unscrupulous caretakers to peddle psychic consultations for animals as a means of income. Whether it be genuine supernatural abilities or clever deception, one point remains undeniable: the service is authentic – and purity, in this case, proves to be an invaluable treasure, as I have come to witness.

The main actors in this movie are Mara Bestelli, Marcelo Subiotto, Anika Bootz, and Betania Cappato. The screenplay was co-written by Fund and Martín Felipe Castagnet. The film is produced by Rita Cine together with Insomnia Films. Laura Mara Tablón and Gustavo Schiaffino serve as producers for this production.

1984 marked the start of Fund’s career as a cinematographer, later moving into directing. His first feature film, “La Risa,” was unveiled in 2009 at the BAFICI festival. Since then, Fund’s movies have earned international recognition. For instance, “Los Labios” won the best actress award at Cannes’ Un Certain Regard in 2010, and “Dusk Stone,” or “Piedra Noche,” debuted at Venice’s Giornate degli Autori and was awarded best film at the 2022 Lima Film Festival.

Luxbox has managed the sales for acclaimed films like the Cannes Grand Prix-winning “All We Imagine as Light.

Regarding the acquisition, CEO Fiorella Moretti and international sales head Jennyfer Gautier stated: “We found ‘The Message’ to be a heartwarming family road movie that beautifully portrays innocence and the emotional strength of connection. We were quickly captivated by Ivan’s unique approach and the enchanting ambiance it creates, and we are honored to be part of its global journey.

The comment from Fund reads: “The genesis of ‘The Message’ lies in the conviction that cinema should resonate with real-life, and that on-screen families are an integral part of the team off-screen. Luxbox echoes this viewpoint on filmmaking as a deeply human endeavor; one where our narratives don’t mimic life but strive to engage with it at its core. Collaborating with them feels like reinforcing and expanding that connection even deeper.

In 2023, “The Message” was featured as part of the San Sebastian Co-production Forum. A year later, in 2024, it was displayed at WIP LATAM San Sebastián. Additionally, this film received recognition from Berlinale’s World Cinema Fund.

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2025-01-21 21:46