As a film enthusiast with a keen interest in Latin American cinema, I find myself captivated by the diverse and compelling projects that are emerging from the region. Each of these upcoming films promises to delve into complex human emotions and societal issues, offering a unique perspective that is both captivating and thought-provoking.
Supported by several prominent independent production studios from Latin America, such as Argentina Kapow, Non Stop Studios Tarea Fina, Parox and Rizoma Producciones from Chile, Rhayuela from Colombia, and Caponeto, Iberseries & Platino Industria – this forum serves as a showcase of the latest TV and film production happening in Latin America and Spain.
Absolutely, there’s still an emphasis on social themes, but these themes are intertwined with entertainment categories such as crime and comedy. This fusion leads to content that straddles multiple genres.
Following, brief profiles of the 10 pic and 10 series lineup, which features stars – Alfredo Castro and Clara Lago in “Queen of the Woods,” and name directors such as Berlin Competition contender Natalia Smirnoff, helming “(Im)perfect Mom” and “Sleepwalkers’” Paula Hernández on “Duarte.”
Enjoy.
Series Projects
“El Abogado Mattos,” (Colombia, Mexico)
A gripping crime drama revolving around David Durán, attorney for Colombian tycoon Carlos Mattos, grappling with the decision to expose Mattos’ alleged bribery of judges in a legal dispute against Hyundai. This production comes from Federico Duran’s Rhayuela and Punta Fina, with Raul Prieto (known for “Rubirosa” and “La Negociadora”) serving as the writer.
“Ana from Raval,” (Spain)
A social dramedy created and showrun by Spain-based multi-hyphenate Mi hoa Lee, a standout performer in Cesc Gay’s Canneseries title “Felix.” Living in Barcelona’s Raval, a humble but rambunctious multi-ethnic melting pot, Ana, an artist and single mother, battles to bring up her daughter without giving up on her dreams. “Based on autofiction” about “invisible beings that few care about,” says Mi how Lee. “I promise you entertainment, tears and lots of laughter.” La Charito Films and Angeli Pictures produce.
“Band of Buffoons,” (Spain)
The most recent project from longtime producer César Benitez’s Plano a Plano, known for hit series like “El Principe,” “Allí Abajo” on free-to-air television, and Netflix successes such as “Toy Boy,” “Valeria,” and “A Perfect Story,” introduces a darkly comedic action thriller. In this storyline, a band of artists within a psychiatric facility conspire to pull off a heist against a major pharmaceutical corporation, leading to an exposé on corruption. As Alejandro Bazzano, the director and co-creator explains, the series delves into the inventive portrayal of being ‘different’ in a world that often places too much value on uniformity.
“Daddy Issues,” (Spain, Colombia)
This multi-platform mockumentary, titled “Samuel Mendes’ Exploration,” is co-produced by Spain’s ECTV Media and Colombia’s Alibi Films. In this dramedy series, renowned psychiatrist Samuel Mendes helps a journalist character tackle his paternity issues while motivating him to use journalism as a tool for global change. This marks the debut of Colombian actor Mauricio Quintana in the lead role.
“Dad and Eleven,” (“Once Hermanos,” Mexico, U.S., Peru, Argentina, Spain)
11 diverse individuals from various age groups and countries spend a week at an idyllic beach house, an invitation extended by the intriguing father they all share, who is mysteriously absent. Drawing inspiration from real-life events, this upcoming production promises complex, heartwarming characters, with the intention of casting a globally recognized actor to breathe life into one of history’s most alluring yet contentious patriarchs. Diego Martinez-Ulanosky, the renowned Mexican creator-producer behind Netflix’s “Unstoppable” and co-producer on “My Tender Matador,” shares this vision at Caponeto, the production company behind the project.
“Dangerous Love,” (“El Peligro de Quererte,” Chile)
Amid the tumultuous 1950s in Chile, a young medical professional named Alba finds herself drawn to Zahiri, a captivating figure during a time when lesbian relationships were widely frowned upon. However, Zahiri has a secret: she’s a member of one of the country’s most influential drug cartels, pioneers of Latin America’s narcotics trade. This gripping series is conceived by Leonora González, an esteemed partner at Parox Chilean TV, known for productions such as “Invisible Heroes,” “Los Prisioneros,” and “Allende: The 1,000 Days.” It will be written by acclaimed Chilean writer Carla Stagno, with Katherina Harder (“Estrellas del Desierto”) serving as the director.
“Duarte: Evita Behind the Icon,” (Argentina)
Paula Hernández, director of the Argentine Oscar submission “The Sleepwalkers,” has been linked to helm the Eva Perón series project from powerful Argentine studio Kapow (“La Jauría”). The series will focus on the early life of the Argentine icon, most famously known as Evita. As Diego Ventura from Kapow explained to EbMaster, “This is a portrayal of a woman who didn’t lose touch with her roots while creating her own identity based on her motivations and beliefs, and at the same time, constructing a world that many would believe in due to her ideals.
“A Few, Good & Confident,” (“Pocos, buenos y seguros,” Spain)
1977 in Spain marks the country’s first general elections, during which a young, lawless prisoner becomes involved with a movement advocating for prison reform. This gripping tale follows two years of daring escapes, riots within prisons, and violent demonstrations that significantly challenged Spain’s correctional system. The production is the work of Iñaki Gómez at Bixagu Entertainment, inspired by the award-winning 2022 short written by Ales Payá and Gorka Lasaosa.
“A Series of People,” (Spain)
The upcoming production from Sergi Cameron’s Barcelona studio, Nanouk Films – renowned for their success with “This Is Not Sweden” – features a story about an aging ex-TV star, now experiencing menopause and facing struggles, who lands a job as an extra on a chaotic film set at a mansion in Cadaqués. The concept: a fashion campaign drawing inspiration from Dalí and surrealism. The players: young influencers. This innovative project is the brainchild of Marina Jover, producer of “Fauna,” who aims to continue the editorial style established with “This Is Not Sweden.” As Cameron explains to EbMaster, “We are carrying forward the editorial approach initiated with ‘This Is Not Sweden,’ with a series that is spearheaded by women tackling contemporary themes using a unique blend of dark humor and sensitivity.
“Yo y punto,” (Spain)
One day, at the age of 36, Axel is informed that she’s experiencing premature menopause. This sets off a humorous yet poignant half-hour series chronicling Axel’s determined, emotional, resilient, and engaging journey to become a single mother. The creators behind this project are Lucas Mirvois, CEO of La Maldita, known for Netflix hit “According to Roxi” and podcast “Malas Decisiones” with Anna Castillo (“Nowhere”), along with Mariam Hernández and Pablo Ferreira, development director at La Maldita.
Invited Ventana Sur Project:
How Grinch and Mrs. Claus Ruined Christmas” (or simply “How the Grinch and Mrs. Claus Destroyed Christmas”) could be a more natural and easy-to-read paraphrase in English. The original title might give an incorrect impression that violence or injury occurred, which isn’t the case with the story of The Grinch who Stole Christmas.
Grinchy, a disgruntled cartoonist, assists a woman dressed like Santa’s wife in disposing of a bloody bag containing a dead body. She gets arrested, but Grinchy’s popular comic strip triggers a campaign for justice, transforming Mrs. Claus into “The Christmas Crusader.” This production is brought to you by La Villana and jointly produced by ATM and Flixxo, the Argentine video-on-demand platform. The series was selected from Ventana Sur’s SoloSeries project category, organized by Flixxo, the Argentine video-on-demand platform.
Feature Films
“A Distant Place,”
In collaboration with Chile’s Rizoma, featuring actors Ernesto Alterio (“Santa Evita”) and Soledad Villamil (“The Secret in Their Eyes”), this project is being developed by Argentina’s Twins Latin Films and Spain’s Filmakers Monkeys, with Alberto Lecchi (“Epitafios,” “Madame Requin”) set to direct. The script, written by Gerardo Pranteda, follows the story of a pianist and a history teacher as they seek a second opportunity at love, but their chances are threatened by an illness that begins to affect the musician’s grasp on reality.
“Holy Mother,” (“Bendita María,” Spain)
In a heartrending situation, an elderly, devoted churchgoer named María, on the brink of homelessness due to eviction, finds herself in a desperate act to secure funds for the restoration of her cherished statue of the Virgin. She enlists the help of Edu, a young Portuguese ward approaching adulthood who is also facing homelessness. This compelling story was crafted by María Mínguez, an esteemed writer known for “Live Twice, Love Once” and “Unicorns.” According to Paloma Mora at ON Producciones, this intergenerational dramedy, directed, written, produced, and starring women, promises a delightful blend of tenderness and humor that will resonate with audiences globally.
“The Invisible War,” (“Guerras Invisibles,” Mexico)
Exploring two radiation “accidents” in Mexico (1984) and Brazil (1987), plus Chernobyl (1986) and Fukushima (2011), a study of “how social and economic disparities have deepened to a point where radiation has become one more weapon in the invisible war for survival,” says director Marcela Arteaga, at Mexico’s Gefilte Films. A triple winner at Guadalajara’s Co-Production Meeting.
“Justino,” (Brazil, Portugal)
In my role as a collaborator, I’m excited to be part of a strong collaboration between Mercado Filmes, Geraçao Editorial, and TAG Cultural in Brazil, and SPi in Portugal for the production of this film. Directed by José Eduardo Belmonte, known for his work on HBO’s “El Hipnotizador” and as artistic director on Globo’s Canneseries winner “Jailers,” this project sees him at the helm. Set in the ’90s, it’s the true story of Justino, a black, bisexual pastor from the outskirts who ascends to fame within the Universal Church, spearheading its growth in Europe. In Brazil, Imovision takes care of distribution.
“La imagen de un crimen,” (Spain)
At Bixagu Entertainment, position the film titled “Iñaki’s Investigation” next to Carlota Pereda’s “The Chapel” and Arantxa Aguirre’s upcoming 2024 San Sebastian hit “Freedoms to Dreams.” This production is categorized as a witty, modern take on film noir, with dark undertones. The protagonist, Iñaki, aged 70, once an air traffic controller, suspects a crime from his Google Street View findings. A young teacher from his computer class is the only one who believes him initially. As they delve deeper, they uncover a complex web of criminal activity and find themselves in over their heads. The filming for this project will take place in the Basque Country in 2026, as revealed by Iñaki Gómez to EbMaster.
“(Im)perfect Mom,” (“Mamá (Im)perfecta,” Colombia, Argentina, Canada)
A potential Forum standout, with Argentine helmer Natalia Smirnoff – director of “Puzzle,” a 2010 Berlin main Competition contender, and “Lock Charmer,” selected for the 2014 Sundance Festival – attached to direct, backed by Colombia’s Laberinto Producciones and Ganas Producciones, Argentina’s Tarea Fina and Canada’s Fait Divers Media. Inspired by a Penguin Random House bestseller, a recent mother develops an insatiable craving for alcohol. Elba McAllister’s Cineplex distributes in Latin America. “A journey through the unbreakable bonds formed between mother and child amidst the complexities of motherhood and addiction,” Smirnoff said.
“Mi otro verano,” (Spain, Uruguay)
Amidst a semi-wild backdrop, the passionate relationship between Carlota and Pol unfolds intensely, only to be threatened by the undercurrents of their pasts. This upcoming film, titled “Love in Modern Times,” is jointly penned and directed by Marta Vazgo from Spain, who previously gained recognition with “Chicos, La Serie.” The production of this movie is supported by a diverse group of producers: D’Sierto Films, Link-up Production led by Teresa Enrich, 39 Escalones Films – a Spanish distribution-production house, and Mother Superior, a renowned Uruguayan production label known for works like “Simon of the Mountain” and “Virus 32.
“My Little Justice League,” (“Mi pequeña liga de la justicia,” Uruguay)
1983, Montevideo. When my dearest friend’s family mysteriously vanished, I, at the tender age of 10, rally my fellow comrades to design imaginative superhero comic strips, hoping they would help find her. As a passionate cinephile, I can’t help but share producer Natalia López’s excitement for this deeply emotional and personal story that delves into a significant chapter in our country’s history. This engaging full-length film, “A Fun Adventure for Everyone,” is the debut feature by Bibiana Passadore.
“Queen of the Woods,” (“Reina del Bosque,”
Featuring prominent actors Alfredo Castro of Pablo Larrain’s team and Clara Lago from “Gangs of Galicia,” this year’s Iberseries standout production, is helmed by Libre Cine (Argentina), NonStop (Argentina, Spain), Bosco Entertainment (U.S.), and Cinefilm (Brazil). The upcoming neo-horror suspense thriller finds a pregnant woman reluctantly welcoming her dying estranged father into an isolated mountain cabin. Luján Loioco is set to direct. “My goal is to create a story that resonates with the audience, delving into emotions intricately tied to the female experience,” she shared with EbMaster.
“Wildness,” (Salvajes, Peru, Chile)
The team behind this project boasts captivating skills – Claudia Huaiquimilla (“My Brothers Dream Awake”), Joanna Lombardi (“Los Prisioneros” showrunner), screenwriter Diego Vega, and creator/co-director of “My Lucky Day.” This group is working on a gripping crime drama inspired by real events, titled “We’re Making a Latin American ‘Bonnie and Clyde’,” which takes place in Paris and Peru during the early ’70s. It revolves around the tense encounter between a fading jet-set model and a thriving narcotics businessman, and a young surfer. Lombardi explains that they aim to honor genre conventions while uncovering their stereotypes.
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2024-10-01 10:19