Argentina’s Lisandro Alonso to Direct Sequel to His Lauded ‘La libertad’(EXCLUSIVE)

As a dedicated admirer of Argentine cinema, I am elated to witness the return of Lisandro Alonso with his long-awaited sequel to “La libertad”. With over two decades of filmmaking experience under his belt, Alonso has consistently showcased an unparalleled ability to capture the essence of freedom and personal evolution through his minimalist style.

Approximately a quarter of a century has passed since Argentine filmmaker Lisandro Alonso’s critically acclaimed debut feature “La libertad,” which competed in Cannes’ Un Certain Regard, and now he is slated to direct its sequel titled “La libertad doble.

In Amsterdam, Ilse Hughan from Fortuna Films, Fernando Bascuñán of Planta in Chile, and Augusto Matte from Deptford Film in London are teaming up with Alonso’s 4L to produce a drama. The Match Factory from Germany, which obtained support from the World Cinema Fund, and Les Films Fauves based in Luxembourg have come on board as co-producers for this project.

In light of Argentina’s present economic situation, obtaining the required bridge financing is now a vital move towards realizing our project. Although there are hurdles, we remain resolute in commencing production by early 2025 as scheduled, stated Hughan, Bascuñan, and Matte. They further explained that this extra funding isn’t just about financial necessities but also a strategic choice to preserve the film’s autonomy and artistic authenticity.

In the vein of “La libertad,” its follow-up aims to delve into ideas of freedom and personal growth, set two decades apart. The team behind it endeavors to rekindle the introspective, stripped-down aesthetic that defined Alonso’s initial creations, as they grapple with the intricacies of maturity and the shifting notion of freedom. This was emphasized by the production team.

The Double Freedom” portrays Misael, who has spent about 25 years living secluded, chopping trees with his axe within dense forests, distant from others. His tranquil independence is disturbed as he’s compelled to look after his older sister. The rhythm of his wilderness days starts to fray in a realm where human logic holds little power.

Bascuñan and Matte, from Chile and co-founders of the new production company, Maquina, stated that Argentina has consistently been a reliable collaborator for our local film industry. Given the current instability within their institutional structure, they emphasized the importance of finding means to bolster independent cinematic voices across Latin America, as it extends beyond our borders.

As we progress with our plans, we’re actively looking for collaborators who align with our vision and can provide the necessary backing to make this movie a reality.

Freedom” was the initial installment of a trilogy, followed by “The Dead,” which debuted at Cannes’ Directors’ Fortnight in 2004. Two years after that, Alonso concluded the trilogy with “Ghost.

The 2008 drama “Liverpool” tells a story about a young seafarer who embarks on a journey to locate his mother amidst the isolated hamlets of Tierra del Fuego, Argentina.

Five years after that, he released “Jauja,” a film set in late 19th century Argentina and later Denmark, featuring Danish-American actor Viggo Mortensen. This movie was honored with the Fipresci award in the category of Un Certain Regard at the Cannes Film Festival.

Alonso’s latest movie, “Eureka” (2023), demonstrates his knack for blending genres and narratives. Often referred to as an “Amerindian tale,” “Eureka” delves into the lives of indigenous groups across diverse locations and timeframes, stretching from the United States to Mexico and South America. The movie’s creation was intricate, featuring shoots in four countries, numerous technical teams, and overcoming obstacles like severe weather and pandemic-related setbacks.

2024-09-26 08:46

Argentina’s Lisandro Alonso to Direct Sequel to His Lauded ‘La libertad’(EXCLUSIVE)

Read More

Minority Mindset