Spain’s Jur & Jur Boards Peruvian Berlin Forum Player ‘Punku’ (EXCLUSIVE)

by

The Spanish production company Jur & Jur Productions has signed on as a joint producer for “Punku,” the upcoming movie directed by Peruvian filmmaker J.D. Fernández Molero. This film will make its world debut in the Forum section of this year’s 75th Berlin International Film Festival.

In this story, titled “Punku“, which translates to “gateway” in Quechua, we follow an unconventional duo – Meshia, a Matsigenka Indigenous adolescent, and Ivan, a young boy believed to be deceased until he is found living deep within the Amazon jungle of Peru. As Ivan’s sight begins to fade, it falls upon Meshia to guide him on a dangerous river voyage towards the city of Quillabamba, in search of life-saving medical intervention. The movie masterfully combines elements of fantasy with the raw truth of pain and endurance, crafting a tale that explores themes of self-discovery, connection, and danger in a treacherous environment.

EbMaster has been given access to the film’s trailer, which can be seen below.

The movie’s narrative is accentuated by its diverse cinematography, blending 16mm, Super 8, and digital formats to create a multi-layered visual effect. At its Berlin premiere, the film will be showcased in a unique 35mm format, intensifying the sensory impact.

Making “Punku” was an intricate, decade-long endeavor that required process-oriented and community-focused filmmaking techniques, as Fernández Molero described. This is the largest project yet from Tiempo Libre, Peru’s non-profit studio, known for “Videofilia,” a Rotterdam Tiger Award winner. It received support during its post-production phase from Tabakalera’s 2deo Audiovisual Lab for residency programs.

Right from the start when we met ‘Punku,’ there was something special about this project that resonated with us deeply. This wasn’t just due to our admiration for Juan Daniel Fernández Molero’s extraordinary commitment to cinema – a fusion of affection and rebellion towards its conventions, as well as the boundaries of linguistic expression – but also because our production company’s path has always been centered on authentically and respectfully portraying the Andean and Amazonian realms.” – Maria Giselle Royo, Director of Jur & Jur Productions.

As a movie enthusiast, I can’t help but acknowledge the immense skill and dedication of the Tiempo Libre team, especially during these trying times. It fills me with excitement to embark on this journey alongside them, bringing my support and expertise to keep our boat moving and help Punku reach audiences globally.

Under the guidance of Gisèle Royo, Jur & Jur Productions has been creating quite an impression on the global film industry. Their previous production, “On the Go,” garnered attention at the Locarno Film Festival last summer. Now, with their upcoming project, “Punku,” Jur & Jur is ready to elevate its partnership with Latin American cinema to greater heights.

In the words of Juan Daniel Fernández Molerio, the director of Tiempo Libre, the Jur & Jur collaboration represents a shared venture that reinforces our dedication to daring, groundbreaking cinema. This alliance with Jur Jur, whose passion for imaginative narratives mirrors our own, broadens the scope of Punku and fortifies its path toward global viewers. As a result, this partnership ensures that Punku’s examination of desire, identity, and violence resonates not just locally but across international borders as well.

Thanks to Jur and Jur Productions, “Punku” is now more prepared for a prosperous tour following the Berlin festival, as its compelling storyline, stunning visuals, and deep thematic investigation are bound to resonate with global audiences.

Read More

2025-02-13 17:17