Local Talent, Schooled on International Shoots, Boosts Uruguay’s Film Industry

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During COVID-19 lockdowns across much of Latin America, Uruguay welcomed an increasing number of foreign film productions. This surge has provided local actors and crew members with priceless hands-on experience on set.

Production nationwide is approaching the same highs seen before the pandemic, with an estimated 33 products being made in 2023, similar to the number produced in 2019. This will be followed by a projected 30 items produced in 2024, significantly higher than the 11 items produced back in 2016.

The film industry in Uruguay has expanded its variety in terms of genres and collaborative productions. Last year alone witnessed 32 local cinema releases, a significant portion of which were documentaries. However, there were also releases like “A Blue Bird,” a co-production with Montelona, the latest work from “Las Acacias” director Ariel Rotter, and “Simon of the Mountain,” the winner of the 2024 Cannes Critics’ Week, directed by Federico Luis.

Powerful companies under Cimarrón, a division of Mediapro, are fueling growth by offering production services for high-profile projects. These include Netflix’s expensive and ambitious Brazilian series “Senna,” as well as J.A. Bayona’s Oscar-nominated film “The Snowman Society.” Cimarrón, headed by founders Hernán Musaluppi, Diego Robino, and Santiago López, is boosting the celebrity factor and budget for various productions, with Juan Taratuto’s upcoming project “Sin Equipaje,” starring Gael Garcia Bernal and Natalia Oreiro, being one of them.

Another crucial step towards future progress involves nurturing Uruguay’s pool of talents. “We are collaborating with Uruguayan authors and filmmakers transitioning to streaming services. Although it is difficult to introduce local productions in the market, a fresh wave of talent is arising. Uruguay’s technical crew stands out for their high standards, but the real challenge comes from effectively showcasing and integrating its creative talents,” Musaluppi points out.

Andres Varela from El Delirio Films points out that there are many more series in production here. He’s discussing his upcoming docu-series, currently in co-production negotiations with Germany, titled “El Aguila,” which he will be taking to Berlin. Additionally, a fictional series, “Graf Spree,” is now being prepared for filming. Both productions center around the significant naval battle during World War II, known as the Battle of the River Plate. Notably, Oscar-nominated cinematographer Cesar Charlone (“City of God”) is part of the team working on these projects.

Additionally, El Delirio is developing a documentary titled “Instinto” that focuses on Thikwa, a renowned theatrical troupe in Berlin made up of people with disabilities, who have gained significant recognition as one of the city’s leading theater groups.

Agustina Chiarino from Bocacha Films explains: “We hail from a small nation, which means our audience is relatively limited. Our finances depend heavily on this. As co-producers, we can obtain funds from the government or similar soft funds in other countries, enabling us to reach a budget of approximately $1 million. However, at times, multiple co-producers are required. To expand beyond that, we need funding from private sources or the industry, as local resources alone are not enough.

She expresses a desire to support the ongoing success of independent, artistic films, while also exploring opportunities to create more locally-produced content with a commercial approach. One of her projects is “Narciso,” which is Marcelo Martinessi’s second film following “Las Herederas.” This production involves seven different countries.

According to Varela, the Film Institute grants funding to local filmmakers. This funding can reach up to $15,000 for development stages, and between $50,000 and $100,000 for production, depending on the genre. Furthermore, the Uruguay Audiovisual Program offers cash rebates based on the applied amount and genre. The FONA awards in Montevideo range from $50,000 to $100,000, again depending on the genre. There are two more options: Montevideo Filma provides $12,000 for filming, while Montevideo Socio offers $18,000 for project completion.

This generosity has significantly increased local film production and consequently, theater screenings. “Nadador Cine is set to release multiple movies in Uruguay within the next three months. It’s uncommon for a production company to premiere so many films in such a short span,” notes co-founder Pedro Barcia.

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2025-02-16 16:16