‘Robe of Gems’ Director Natalia López Gallardo Re-Teams With Producer Fernanda de la Peza on ‘Only Love Exists’ (EXCLUSIVE)

As I immerse myself in the captivating world of Natalia López Gallardo, I am awestruck by her ability to weave tales that resonate deeply with the complexities of modern life. Her directorial debut, “Robe of Gems,” was a testament to her prowess, and now, with “Only Love Exists,” she is poised to further solidify her place in the annals of cinema.


Renowned Mexican director Natalia López Gallardo, whose first film “Robe of Gems” received the Silver Bear Jury Prize at the Berlinale in 2022, is now working on her second feature titled “Only Love Exists.” This modern drama explores the blend of virtual and real-world experiences and will be presented for potential co-production in the Europe-Latin America Co-Production Forum during this year’s San Sebastian Film Festival.

As a dedicated movie buff, I’d describe “Only Love Exists” like this: In my perspective, it’s the tale of Teresa – a medical assistant with a heart that extends beyond her patients, comforting their fears and nurturing their desires in both her professional and online spheres. However, as time goes by, the line between these worlds becomes blurred, and Teresa finds herself increasingly entangled in her own desires, teetering on the boundary where virtual and reality meet.

Following a near-death experience, Teresa gains a heightened perception of the tangible world she inhabits, a place where both breathtaking beauty and oppressive harshness reside, according to the summary. Through the act of nurturing a friend, Teresa embarks on a path towards redemption.

Lopez is not only responsible for writing the script for the movie, but she will also be a producer, working alongside Fernanda de la Peza, who produced “Robe of Gems.” They are joined by co-producers Marie-Pierre Macia and Sacha Ben Haroche. (Notable works: “The Untamed,” “The Hole in the Fence.”)

“When producer Fernanda de la Peza initially read ‘Only Love Exists’, she felt like she was right there in today’s world. She described it as a remarkably original story that features a character whose profession dates back to ancient times, yet is immersed in modern technological capitalism without having redefined its moral and legal framework. The goal of ‘Only Love Exists’ is to use cinema as a tool to delve into, articulate, and elevate the intricacies of the human spirit.”

Mexico’s Cárcava Cine, under the direction of de la Peza, and Lobo en Medio de Lobos are joining forces with France’s MPM Premium and U.S.-based NousNous for production. Filming is set to begin in fall 2025.

Established in Mexico City back in 2018, Cárcava focuses on promoting auteur and independent filmmaking. Among other achievements, this company has garnered significant festival and award recognition for movies like “Lost in the Night,” by Amat Escalante – a Venice Film Festival best director awardee and three-time Mexican Academy Awards nominee, as well as Joaquin del Paso’s film “The Hole in the Fence,” which was screened at the Venice Horizons section.

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2024-08-18 18:16