‘A Yard of Jackals’ Trailer: Tension Mounts in Tallinn Black Nights Frantic Psychological Thriller, From Chilean Newcomer Diego Figueroa (EXCLUSIVE)

As a seasoned cinephile with roots deeply entrenched in the gritty, raw stories of Latin America, I can confidently say that “A Yard of Jackals” is shaping up to be an electrifying addition to the psychological thriller genre. The trailer alone is a testament to Director Diego Figueroa’s meticulous craftsmanship and his ability to create immersive, emotionally charged experiences for viewers.


On the heels of a world premiere at the 28th Annual Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival’s First Feature Competition and ahead of its screening at Latin America’s largest film market, Ventana Sur, Paris-based sales outfit MPM Premium and Santiago-based Infractor Films have given EbMaster exclusive access to the trailer for Chilean filmmaker Diego Figueroa’s frantic psychological thriller, “A Yard of Jackals” (“Patio de chacales”).

Building upon his brief production “Los Vecinos”, the film drew acclaim during Sanfic Industria’s Works in Progress segment, garnering recognition and generating a well-deserved buzz as it went on to be part of the IAFFM and Malaga’s Mafiz before making its refined debut on the international stage in Estonia.

Alejandro Ugarte from Infractor shared with EbMaster that the response at the Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival has been incredibly rewarding and thought-provoking. Ever since its first screening, the film has ignited reactions indicating its power to transport viewers into a distinct sensory and emotional world.

This film titled “Perro Bomba,” created by Ugarte at Infractor, was made in collaboration with Chile’s Pejeperro Films and France’s Promenades Films. The story revolves around a main character named Raúl (Néstor Cantillana), who leads a quiet life taking care of his ailing mother (Grimanesa Jiménez) and creating architectural models meticulously. However, his routine is disrupted by enigmatic and malicious neighbors whose questionable activities lie beyond the reach of the law, much like ghostly figures in reality.

When he shares secrets with Laura, the woman from his regular textile store, she serves as a soothing balm amidst his tumultuous turmoil, proving valuable in his growing enigma and standing alone as his only ally. The dynamic between them, vividly portrayed within cramped spaces, intensifies the suspense. Cantillana and Lewin have previously collaborated, having worked together on the HBO Series “Fugitives” (Prófugos) directed by Pablo Larraín and Jonathan Jakubowicz.

Engaging and intriguing, the trailer hints at the tense atmosphere the movie will create as Raúl’s peaceful life is replaced by his compulsion to uncover the truth about the horrific events happening around him, believing he’s in immediate peril.

In the teaser, we start by showing Laura interrogating Raul. The scene then transitions swiftly to a close-up of one of his architectural designs. As the tension builds, the camera rapidly switches between Raul’s emotional turmoil and scenes of the intruding strangers causing havoc. This gives us a sense of Raul’s deteriorating mental state as we watch the chaos unfold.

The trailer and full movie immerse viewers deeply into Raúl’s predicament, encouraging them to feel as if they are embodying him. This emotional connection is heightened by an expertly crafted score composed by Diego de la Fuente Curaqueo, which amplifies his distress. Every distant helicopter, every chilling scream, and each suspenseful dissonant note serves to increase the film’s psychological tension, creating a heart-wrenching void of growing despair that echoes the tumultuous time in Chile, 1978, when it was grappling with the oppressive silence of state violence under Augusto Pinochet.

As a passionate film enthusiast, I strive to immerse the audience into the thoughts and feelings of the lead character. My aim is to make the story leap off the screen and resonate deeply within their minds. For me, this is the true magic of cinema – it doesn’t just tell stories, but enables us to experience them. This sentiment was expressed by me in a conversation with EbMaster.

I must admit, I found myself deeply touched by the emotional resonance that Diego managed to create in his work. His exceptional use of sound design and visual storytelling really brought the protagonist’s sense of paranoia and isolation to life. This film has been praised for its ability to connect with viewers on a profound level, encouraging us to ponder themes of guilt, powerlessness, and the search for redemption in dire situations.

Consuelo Holzapfel, Maria Jesus Marcone and Juan Cano round out the cast with voiceovers from Pablo Schwarz and Rodrigo Perez. The film sees a market screening in Montevideo on Dec.4 before its Chilean premiere at FicViña on Nov. 28 ahead of a national theatrical run via Storyboard Media that kicks off Jan. 23.

The experience in Tallinn has been exceptional and undoubtedly beneficial for the film and its production team. We are excited about the impact it will have in Chile, as relayed by Ugarte. Quentin Worthington, head of sales and acquisitions at MPM Premium, expressed that “A Yard Of Jackals” tells a tough tale of Chile through an innovative cinematic language using sound and thriller codes to resonate with international audiences. Following Tallinn, we are eager to present the film to buyers at Ventana Sur.

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2024-11-22 13:17