Mubi Snags Rooney Mara Drama ‘La Cocina’ for U.S. (EXCLUSIVE)

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The Rooney Mara-starring drama “La Cocina,” directed by Alonso Ruizpalacios, who is also known for “A Cop Movie” and “Gueros,” has been acquired by independent film distributor Mubi for exclusive streaming in the U.S., starting from May 2.

Mara acts alongside four-time Ariel Award recipient Raul Briones in this gripping, black and white kitchen-set drama. According to EbMaster, it’s a “tumultuous symphony of almost two dozen characters…” that artfully blends biting social commentary with bold cinematic skill.

The drama unfolds in a bustling kitchen located in New York’s Times Square, as depicted in Arnold Wesker’s influential 1957 play “The Kitchen”. Here, a team predominantly composed of immigrants struggle against the intense heat, mounting pressure, and the heavy burden of dreams born from far-off lands.

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In Arnold Wesker’s groundbreaking 1957 play “The Kitchen”, the story unfolds in a kitchen situated in Times Square, New York. The staff, primarily immigrants, grapple with the sweltering heat, overwhelming pressure, and the weight of dreams they carry from their native lands.

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Set in the 1957 play “The Kitchen” by Arnold Wesker, the drama is centered around a kitchen in Times Square, New York City. The team there, mainly immigrants, face off against the oppressive heat, heavy workload, and dreams from their homelands that they carry with them.

The play made its debut in competition at the 2024 Berlinale, and it received nominations for the categories of Best Director and Best Cinematography at the 2025 Independent Spirit Film Awards.

Filming took place on-site in New York City and at the esteemed Churubusco Studios, which is located in Ruizpalacios’ hometown of Mexico City.

Elizabeth Woodward, the founder & CEO of the US distributor for ‘La Cocina’, expressed her excitement because the movie has been selected to stream on Mubi, a platform that highlights daring and innovative filmmaking and directors such as Alonso,” said Elizabeth Woodward.

After debuting at the Berlinale, the movie was chosen to compete at various international film events such as the 2024 Tribeca Festival and the 2024 BFI London Film Festival. It has also garnered several accolades including the Barrière Prize from the 2024 Deauville Film Festival, best film, cinematography, editing, and sound awards at the 2024 Havana Film Festival, and is now a contender for seven Diosas de Plata awards in Mexico: best movie, director, actor, cinematography, adapted screenplay, score, and editing.

Willa released “La Cocina” in the U.S. last fall alongside an impact campaign with One Fair Wage.

Right now, you can either rent or purchase this movie on TVOD platforms like Apple TV and Amazon. Its global release in cinemas and streaming services is ongoing, expanding throughout Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East. HanWay is responsible for managing its international distribution.

Ruizpalacios has recently contributed to Disney’s second season of “Andor,” specifically three episodes, with his work being particularly highlighted in the season finale.

Filmmadora collaborated with Panorama, Fifth Season, Astrakan Film AB, and Seine Pictures to produce this film. Ramiro Ruiz, Gerardo Gatica, Lauren Mann, and Ivan Orlic served as producers for the project. Their latest production, “Mistura” directed by Ricardo de Montreuil, set in Lima, has been receiving praise at various film festivals.

Willa and Fifth Season negotiated the deal with Mubi.

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2025-04-21 19:20