As a cinephile with a keen interest in films that delve deep into societal issues and human experiences, I am absolutely thrilled about the upcoming release of “La Cocina.” Directed by the brilliant Alonso Ruizpalacios, this film promises to be a powerful exploration of social and financial inequalities in contemporary America, all while giving a voice to the unseen workers who drive the service economy.
Under the title “La Cocina,” featuring Rooney Mara and Raúl Briones, is set to debut in the U.S. on October 25, distributed by Willa, both producing and distributing. The film will first be screened at the Angelika Film Center in New York City and at the Laemmle Monica in Los Angeles. Following its premiere, it will expand to the top 10 major U.S. markets. HanWay is responsible for handling international sales.
Under the guidance of director Alonso Ruizpalacios, “The Kitchen” features Briones portraying Pedro, an unauthorized kitchen worker in a bustling Manhattan eatery, who is smitten with Julia (Mara), his server colleague, who carries his unborn child. Suspense escalates and eventually explodes when it’s found that cash from the register has gone missing, and suspicion lands on Pedro. However, the true culprit of the theft remains uncertain.
Mexican filmmaker, Ruizpalacios, transforms Arnold Wesker’s 1957 play “The Kitchen” into a contemporary American drama highlighting social and financial disparities. He humanizes the unnamed workers sustaining the service sector, culminating in a climax that packs a punch. Critics at the Berlinale, where it was premiered in competition, applauded Ruizpalacios’ powerful drama.
For Ruizpalacios, whose first feature film, “Güeros,” was awarded the best first feature prize at the Berlinale over 10 years ago, “La Cocina” can be seen as a counterpoint to conventional food-centric films. He expressed that he aimed to portray the less glamorous side of the food industry where speed takes precedence over food quality. This, he explained, serves as a metaphor for corporate capitalism, according to an interview with EbMaster in February.
“Another significant topic is work: the battle for one’s spiritual existence within the relentless engine of worldwide capitalism. In the movie, the main character Pedro expresses this idea by saying, ‘One cannot dream in a kitchen.’ This means that dreams and creativity often require an environment free from everyday distractions or obligations.”
Willa Shingle, run by Elizabeth Woodward as founder and CEO, specializes in creating and disseminating films with significant social impact. Previously released titles under the Willa banner include “Another Body” (2023), an Emmy nominee that also received the SXSW Special Jury Award and was co-distributed with Utopia, as well as “You Resemble Me” (2021), which was executive produced by Spike Lee, Spike Jonze, Alma Har’el, Riz Ahmed, Claire Denis, and debuted at the Venice Film Festival.
“Working with the team at Willa for a filmmaker is like a dream come true, knowing that they will handle the movie with such meticulous care,” said Ruizpalacios. “The personalized approach they take towards distribution and our partnership with them is something we eagerly anticipate.”
I’m excited to collaborate with Willa on the distribution of this groundbreaking movie. With a history of working with numerous distributors on hundreds of films, it’s invigorating to witness such an innovative and consumer-focused model being developed for the future, as expressed by co-CEO Graham Taylor from production shingle Fifth Season.
“Woodward shared that Willa’s goal is to expand the audience and influence of films with social significance. They achieve this by employing impact campaigns, working closely with filmmakers, and advocating for unconventional and cutting-edge distribution methods. They are excited to present ‘La Cocina’ to viewers this fall. Directed by Alonso Ruizpalacios, it’s a daring, unique love story that is not to be overlooked.”
The movie will debut on digital channels at the beginning of 2025, and it aims to screen during autumn festivals as part of a campaign for award nominations.
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2024-08-26 20:47