Guadalajara Film Fest Shocker: Boxing, LGBTQ+, & More!

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For its 21st installment, the Co-Production Meetings organized by the Guadalajara Film Festival’s (FICG) industry sector are designed to encourage cooperation between film producers from Latin America, Spain, and Portugal.

For three days from June 9th to 11th, various projects are competing for cash prizes during the industry events. One prize, as stated by Ximena Urrutia, the head of the industry, could potentially fund an entire film production – encompassing development, filming, and post-production – all in a single award.

Urrutia shares that it’s a substantial advantage for the chosen initiatives, saying to EbMaster, “We have around 20 projects engaged in our Co-Production Meetings. We collaborate intimately with each of them, understanding their unique requirements and linking them with suitable industry experts to propel their projects forward.

She mentions that many of these are initial-phase endeavors, some arriving in their most rudimentary forms – just ideas or sketchy storylines without fully written scripts. All we ask for at the submission stage is a well-defined concept for the narrative. Once that’s in hand, the development phase kicks off.

This collection encompasses three stories centered around boxing, some of which explore LGBTQ+ themes. One such story, “Diamonds are Forever,” introduces a gay boxer as its protagonist. There are numerous tales about growing up, music, and self-discovery. The film-within-a-film drama titled “Cupid’s Arrow” is co-directed and acted in by Manuela Martelli, a renowned Chilean actress-director (“Chile ’76”).

Simultaneously with the Co-Production Meetings, we have the Episodio Cero initiative, which concentrates on television series instead of movies. It shares a similar structure, promoting the creation and production of serial content.

In this version, I’ve aimed to make the text more conversational and easier to understand by breaking down complex ideas into simpler terms. The key change is rephrasing “Running parallel” as “Simultaneously with”, which is a more common phrase in everyday speech. Additionally, I clarified that “Episodio Cero” is an initiative rather than just an event or meeting. Lastly, I explained that it focuses on series instead of movies, and emphasized the similarities between its structure and the Co-Production Meetings.

Titles in the Co-Production Meetings:

“This Bolero is for Ita” (“Un bolero para Ita,” Writer: Camila Caballero, Colombia)

Made by Sebastian Caballero and Vanessa Gomez from Red Collision Studios (“The Judge’s Shadow”), the film, titled “Gustavo,” follows an elderly radio host named Gustavo who finds himself stranded at the Venezuelan-Colombian border while fixing his mixing console. As the abrupt closure widens the gap with his wife at home, he makes one last effort to reach her by playing the first bolero he ever dedicated to her on air. “This film is unique as it tells the story of the border crisis through the lens of love, particularly focusing on two elderly protagonists,” said the creators. “It poignantly portrays the pain of being suddenly torn away from the person with whom you’ve spent a lifetime.” The project has secured funding from Colombia’s Film Development Fund and will be featured in the Bogota Audiovisual Market (BAM). As of now, there is no director officially attached to the project.

“Rebellion of Memory” (“Rebelión de Memoria,” Joël Jent, Switzerland, Peru)

Movie: From 1980 to 2001, a period of conflict between the Shining Path guerrilla and Peruvian government forces devastated the Andean highlands of Peru. A former child soldier and his parents, who were once on opposite sides, now strive to face their past and find reconciliation amidst memories. “This is the first film featuring key figures from both sides of Peru’s civil war,” says Jent (of the movie “Eating the Silence”), who will be at FICG. The project has benefited from several Swiss grants and has been part of multiple workshops, including IDFA Project Space, DOK Leipzig Co-Production Market, and EsoDoc where it won the Pitching Award in 2023.

“Rebellion” (“Rebeldia,” Maria de Medeiros, Portugal, Brazil, Luxembourg)

The film in development is inspired by the true tale of Annie Silva Pais, a Portuguese woman who left her life behind in 1965 to take part in the Cuban Revolution. A fervent revolutionary and translator for Fidel Castro, she came back after the Carnation Revolution solely to advocate for her father’s freedom. This film is being produced by prominent Portuguese production company, Fado Filmes, with actress Maria de Medeiros (“Pulp Fiction”) set as the director. The project currently has half of its budget secured and aims to find at least 20% more from a Latin American partner.

Initially, we’ll secure the location known as Anillaco” (Paula Martel, Argentina, Chile, Brazil, Uruguay)

A road trip coming-of-age film that made a splash at the March Malaga Festival Fund & Co-Production event. The story revolves around a group of adolescents embarking on a daring journey through northern Argentina with an audacious objective: to execute the country’s most notorious and detested former president. The producers, Colectivo Rutemberg, Filmes Sem Sapato, Color Haus, and Circular Media, are actively looking to collaborate with distributors, sales agents, and streaming platforms. Currently, a quarter of the budget has been secured. Producer Francisco Novick has previously worked on films that have been showcased in Fulgor Lab, Cartagena Production Meeting, Tallinn Black Nights, DOK Liepzig, and BR Lab, among other esteemed events.

“The Young and the Broken” (“Los Hijos también lloran,” Lorena Maza, Mexico)

A movie titled “Traziende Films and Tejuino Ent.’s Production,” revolves around an actor delving into his 1980s childhood recreation to comprehend the impact of his father’s sudden demise. He revisits various aspects of his life – theater, film, and television – using these mediums that shaped his emotional depth, storytelling abilities, and resilience. The production is spearheaded by Monica Vargas, who established Traziende 25 years ago and has a rich portfolio, including the first Mexican series on Netflix, “Club of Crows” (“Club de Cuervos”). Andrés Zuno, writer-lead actor known for “Señora Acero,” adapts his autobiographical novel and play. As Vargas explains, this unique film blends reality with imagination, employing innovative techniques in scriptwriting and storytelling that challenge conventional narrative norms.

“Cupid’s Arrow” (“La fleche de Cupido,” Ernesto Meléndez & Manuela Martelli, Chile)

Made by Olimpo Films, dedicated to crafting high-quality queer cinema, this upcoming production features an unrecognized foreign actor, Antonio, who comes to Santiago to star in his partner Millaray’s new movie—an erotic gay drama set in 1973. The line between fiction and reality becomes blurred as he develops feelings for his co-star and brother-in-law, Lautaro. As described by writer and co-director Meléndez, this project seeks to elevate the soap opera genre by creating a self-reflective narrative where a film director unintentionally captures her real life on screen. The movie within the movie will actually be directed by the actress playing the director (Manuela Martelli), resulting in an intriguing collaborative filmmaking approach. This project was part of the 2023 ValpoLab and has received support from Chile’s film fund to polish the script.

“God’s Favorite Girl” (“La favorita de Dios,” Diego Ulloa Alvear, Spain, Ecuador)

Funicular Films, established by Aina Clotet, Jan Andreu, Marc Clotet, and Marta Baldó in Barcelona in 2021, is the creative force behind “This Is Not Sweden,” which premiered in 2023 and garnered numerous awards, including the Prix Europa for Best European TV Fiction and the Ondas Award for Best Comedy Series. At events like Canneseries and Guadalajara, the company is represented by Baldó and director Diego Ulloa, who co-authored the screenplay with Marina Parés. The story revolves around 16-year-old Pachi, who asserts that she’s receiving messages from the Virgin Mary after her parents announce their divorce, causing a national uproar. This project won the First Prize at ESCAC’s Opera Prima Lab. As Baldó puts it, “This is a project with soul, humor, and a profound sense of humanity woven into a local tale. It follows a teenager desperate to please, an overly critical mother, a highly hypocritical society, and a lie that eventually rocks the entire country.

“The Insignificant” (“La Chaucha,” Alfonso Gazitúa Gaete, Chile)

As a film enthusiast, I’d say:

“I found myself captivated by a heartwarming coming-of-age drama revolving around Marina, a 15-year-old girl battling anxiety, yearning to make waves in the world of female freestyle. Guided by a musician and an eccentric band, she embarks on a journey to conquer her fears and discover her unique voice. This remarkable production is brought to us by Chile’s Cultural City Prods, spearheaded by Alexis Sánchez, who is committed to sharing authentic Latin American tales with both creativity and technical prowess. The goal? To create compelling content for films, TV, and digital platforms that resonate globally. According to Gazitúa Gaete, this narrative sprang from a desire to delve into adolescent mental health, self-worth, and the struggle to find one’s voice—a theme my parents often referred to as “la chaucha,” symbolizing untapped potential.

“The Beam” (“La Centella,” Nicolás Gutiérrez Wenhammar, Mexico)

A compelling documentary about enigmatic celestial occurrences over Mexico is being crafted by Cauce Prods. and El Relicario Cine, under the direction of Jorge Diez Maza and Gutierrez. This project, titled “La Centella,” already has approximately a quarter of its funding secured and seeks additional co-producers, as well as funds for development and production. Established in 2015, Cauce is a multimedia production and distribution company that has previously produced and distributed two features (“Mientras la prisión exista,” and “Sísifos”) and two transmedia projects (“deriva.mx”and “La Noche sin sombra”). As described by Diez, “‘La Centella’ is a poetic documentary that merges science fiction, oral storytelling, and Mexican folklore to delve into luminous sky phenomena. Its unique format and dreamlike style celebrate mystery as a catalyst for creativity.

“Juliette & Camille,” (Paloma Zapata, Spain)

This documentary features two musically talented individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds, who unite to compose the film’s soundtrack. However, their musical partnership evolves into a personal exploration as they examine their pasts in order to find their current identity. La Fabrica Naranja and Indigena Films are behind its production, with Sara Horta serving as the lead producer. The project has approximately 70% of its funding secured, but it is currently seeking a sales representative and distributor. Previously, Horta established Pixel Films, which produced short films such as “La niña azul,” “Ainhou,” and “Restart.” She also produced the drama “Dhogs,” which debuted at Bafici and Sitges film festivals.

“Undefeated” (“Invicta,”  Inti Herrera & Yoe Pérez, Cuba)

14films-produced documentary titled “Unconquerable Namibia” by Neissy Delgado and Reymel Delgado follows the inspiring journey of a female boxer who, despite never representing Cuba, has remained undefeated in a male-dominated sport. The film is set in a country where only men are allowed to box. Currently, 21% of its funding goal has been secured, and co-producers are sought for both production and post-production phases. Meanwhile, Delgado is overseeing the execution of two sports features and a historical fiction film. Herrera, the director, boasts producing credits in films like “Juan of the Dead” by Juan Brugués, which won a Goya (Spain’s Oscar equivalent), and Carlos Lechuga’s “Melaza.

“Evolet” (Ian Martín, Mexico)

A fantasy horror drama titled “Evolet,” currently in development, takes place in the enchanted land of Eldoria. In this story, Princess Evolet is on a mission to seize the throne from her half-brother, empowered by a potent curse that fulfills her deepest wishes—but at an alarming price. This captivating project won the Feratum 2024 Residency and delves into themes of power, ambition, and self-discovery. Islandia, an innovative independent production company established by Alex Briseño (of “Somos Maripepa” fame), is spearheading this venture. Known for their emotionally impactful films such as “Tú y Yo” and “Tornado Rojo,” Islandia is actively searching for co-producers to help bring Martín’s first feature film to life. As Briseño explains, “This drama delves into the power we bestow upon ourselves with titles like leaders or rulers, and how these powers can suddenly disappear.

“The Foreign Man” (“El Extranjero,” Sebastián Rodríguez, Argentina, Spain)

Based in Buenos Aires and established in 2021, the independent production company Lechiguana Films is showcased at FICG with Nicolás Torcanowsky, one of its founding partners and Executive Producers. Renowned for music videos featuring artists such as Dillom and Lali, as well as films produced alongside sister company Vista Sur (“El Faro,” “Dalia and the Red Book”), Lechiguana Films presents “The Foreign Man,” a political thriller written and directed by Rodríguez. This film is set against the backdrop of Argentina’s 1978 World Cup, telling the story of a Spanish journalist who becomes embroiled with a young activist amidst Argentina’s dictatorship. The project has garnered traction through various labs like Mendoza, Bolivia, MAFIZ, and Medellin, and is currently seeking co-production partners in Europe and Latin America.

“Beast” (“El Bestia,” Isidoro Sarfati, Mexico)

Directed by Carolina Amador and Isidoro Sarfati of Bamba Films, the sports drama “Beast” chronicles boxer Gama’s journey as his inflated ego, tough training regime, and internal battles morph him into “El Bestia.” Currently, the film has secured 25% of its estimated budget and is actively seeking additional production and distribution partners. The team aims to capitalize on the Jalisco cash rebate scheme. Notably, Carolina Amador’s previous works include “Santitos” and “Sexo, pudor y lagrimas.” Isidoro Sarfati, a graduate of the London Film School, has produced “Through the Eyes” (“A los ojos”), directed by Michel and Victoria Franco.

“Love During the Age of Bacaneria” (Patricia Pepen, Dominican Republic)

This version maintains the same meaning while sounding more natural and easier to read in English contexts.

17-year-old Zuleika navigates tumultuous relationships and a strained connection with her mother on the challenging streets of Santo Domingo. A series of hardships pushes her to seek the affection she’s yearned for – self-discovery becomes her journey. This project, created by Mentes Fritas established in 2007, boasts credits such as the SXSW Audience award-winning “La Bachata de Bionico.” Its development history involves involvement in Malaga’s Warmi Lab, Cartagena’s Opera Prima lab, Cannes’ Producers Network, and more. Writer-producer Cristian Mojica describes it as an authentic Dominican narrative that echoes the spirit of modern Latin American youth. Set against a Caribbean backdrop infused with feminism and a unique storytelling style, it weaves dembow music, street life, and love into a gritty and captivating tale.

“Diamonds are Forever” (“Diamante, o Bailarina,” Pedro Jorge Cabron, Brazil)

Emílio, a young Black gay boxer, trains under his long-separated father while competing in drag – all for honor, recognition, and understanding. Established in 2013, Paideia Filmes produces thought-provoking content catering to various communities. Their six acclaimed films, such as “Elections” and “My Body is Political,” have been shown at over a hundred festivals and are available on Mubi, Globoplay, and Amazon Prime. With support from São Paulo’s Spcine incentives, they have taken part in Ventana Sur, Rio2C, and other industry events. As Heverton Lima, who attends FICG, explains, “This film follows a son’s quest for his father. What sets it apart is the exploration of this connection through a drag performer and a homophobic father, united by boxing. Two contrasting spheres that learn to peacefully coexist.

“Casilda,” (Urzula Barba Hopfner, Mexico)

Almost home after years away, pianist CasiIda – once part of an orchestra and a recovering cocaine addict – comes back to Guadalajara following her brother’s tragic suicide. There, she faces family discord and embarks on a voyage of personal growth. Directed and produced by Urzula Barba Hopfner, whose “Corina” recently earned the Best Feature at FICG Made in Jalisco and the SXSW Audience Award. Argentine political scientist and producer Emiliano Mansilla has collaborated with filmmakers like Guillermo Arriaga, Amat Escalante, Nick Cassavetes, and Maria Ripoll. The project currently has 20% of its funding secured and is actively seeking additional co-producing partners.

“Witches of the Island” (“Brujas de la Isla,” Crisfel Jimenez Contreras, Dominican Republic)

As a cinephile with a keen interest in the intriguing, I’ve stumbled upon an enlightening documentary set in the Dominican Republic that delves into the reality behind the feared figures of witches, beyond mere folklore. These witches are said to steal blood and spread evil, deeply ingrained in the country’s religious and popular culture. This film serves as a journey through the enduring superstitions, stories, and fears prevalent on this island.

Notably, this documentary is a collaboration between Flor Blanca, the pioneering indie film company based in Bonao, known for its focus on socially relevant narratives, nurturing emerging talent, and tackling taboo topics. And Alba Films, an established production house located in La Romana, dedicated to co-producing bold, auteur-driven films with global appeal.

Yatnna Montilla, one of the producers alongside Laura Bennitez, shares her insights: The myth of witches persists strongly in the Dominican Republic, particularly in rural areas. This belief, deeply entrenched in the culture, is often perceived as truth. The boundary between fact and myth becomes ambiguous, and this confusion continues to inflict harm on women, especially those who are secluded and silenced. It could be any of us.

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2025-06-08 23:21