Willem Dafoe to Star in Bárbara Paz’s ‘Cuddle’ From ‘I’m Still Here’ Producer Conspiração and Infinity Hill (EXCLUSIVE)

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Four-time Academy Award nominee Willem Dafoe will join forces again with Brazilian actress Bárbara Paz in the upcoming near-future drama titled “Cuddle”. This marks Bárbara’s first foray into feature filmmaking as a director.

Dafoe served as an associate producer for the documentary “Babenco: Tell Me When I Die” (2019), which Paz directed in tribute to her deceased husband, renowned filmmaker Hector Babenco from Argentina-Brazil (“Kiss of the Spider Woman,” “Carandiru”), and was Brazil’s entry for the 93rd Academy Awards.

Dafoe’s connection with Paz and Babenco started through the movie “My Hindu Friend,” which was Babenco’s semi-autobiographical farewell in 2015, where Dafoe embodied a dying director strongly resembling Babenco himself, and Paz took on a significant supporting role.

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The relationship between Dafoe, Paz, and Babenco started with the movie “My Hindu Friend,” which was Babenco’s semi-autobiographical film from 2015. In this movie, Dafoe played a character closely resembling Babenco himself who was near death, while Paz had a crucial role.

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Dafoe’s bond with Paz and Babenco originated in the movie “My Hindu Friend,” which was Babenco’s semi-autobiographical production from 2015. In this film, Dafoe portrayed a character that closely mirrored Babenco himself as he neared death, while Paz played an important part.

In the movie “Cuddle”, Dafoe portrays Dante, a skilled cuddler who provides comforting companionship to individuals yearning for connection in a world where genuine affection seems scarce. His clientele vary from those feeling overloaded to emotionally vulnerable folks, seeking human touch amidst an increasingly transactional society. Beneath his serene facade, Dante grapples with addiction to painkillers and isolation, finding solace only in the soothing presence of his pet dog. However, an unexpected event stirs up his routine, leading him towards a delicate and unforeseen level of intimacy.

Dafoe expressed that this story goes beyond just examining loneliness, it also delves into the importance of human connection and overcoming obstacles, reflecting the spirit of the current era. He is eagerly anticipating collaborating with Paz once more.

Joining forces with Conspiração, the Brazilian production house behind the 2021 Best International Feature Oscar winner “I’m Still Here,” will enhance the prestigious filmography of our project. They join Infinity Hill, recognized for its Academy Award-nominated work on “Argentina, 1985,” as co-producers alongside Paz’s company, BP.

This collaboration between Infinity Hill and Conspiração on “Cuddle” signifies their initial teamwork, yet it’s the second time they’ve joined forces for a project in Brazil, following their previous production titled “Puan.

In light of the expanding trend of therapeutic cuddling and the increasing worldwide discourse on solitude, the creators refer to “Cuddle” as a “moving examination of touch, vulnerability, and connection in an era marked by emotional detachment.

The play is created by Renata Brandão and Juliana Capelini at Conspiração, Axel Kuschevatzky, Phin Glynn, and Cindy Teperman at Infinity Hill, and Paz at BP as the producers.

Upcoming appearances for Willem Dafoe include “Late Fame; The Phoenician Scheme,” directed by Kent Jones, marking their sixth project together with Wes Anderson; “The Man in My Basement” directed by Nadia Latif; “The Birthday Party” by Miguel Angel Jimenéz; “Gonzo Girl” starring Patricia Arquette; and “Finally Dawn,” directed by Saverio Costanzo.

At present, he is working on Jennifer Peedom’s movie titled “Tenzing” and has recently agreed to take part in “The Souffleur,” a dark comedy in English that is being directed by the up-and-coming Argentine director Gastón Solnicki. Additionally, he currently serves as the artistic director for the Venice Biennale’s theater.

Dafoe is represented by The Artists Partnership in the United Kingdom, as well as William Morris Endeavor (WME) in the United States, and additionally by Circle Management + Production.

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2025-05-17 11:46