Spanish Star-Studded Psychological Thriller ‘Shades’ Heads Beta Film’s EFM Slate, as It Acquires Bulgaria’s ‘Shattered Bonds’ (EXCLUSIVE)

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Starring Elsa Pataky (known for “The Fast and the Furious,” “Furiosa – A Mad Max Saga”), Enrique Arce and Hovik Keuchkerian from “Money Heist,” the original productions “Shades” (“Matices”) and “Shattered Bonds” will lead Beta Film’s lineup at the European Film Market during the Berlin Festival.

At a Berlinale Series Market Spanish Thrillers exhibition on February 17, one of the two highlighted titles is “Shades”. This title will be followed by “Shattered Bonds” at an EFM showcase focusing on “Narratives Against Rising Youth Violence” on February 18. Julian Kostov, known for his role in “The White Lotus”, will headline “Shattered Bonds”.

The shows titled ‘Shades’ and ‘Shattered Bonds’ are part of the official Berlinale TV lineup, entitled ‘Other People’s Money’. This series is based on a true story about Europe’s largest known tax fraud and will be screened as the only TV show in the Panorama Section, making it the highlight of this section.

beta cinema introduces the opening film for Berlinale, titled “The Light,” created by Tom Tykwer (known for “Babylon Berlin” and “Run Lola Run”), as well as the Panorama selection “Cicadas,” directed by Ina Weisse (“The Audition”).

Shades,” a production by Secuoya Studios (known for “Montecristo” and “Zorro”) in collaboration with Stellarmedia, is SkyShowtime’s second original series produced locally in Spain.

The six-hour long series carries the weight of a starlit mystery, yet it’s denser, darker, and swifter than typical Agatha Christie mysteries. What sets it apart is its transformation into a character-driven psychological thriller, where a renowned psychiatrist invites six patients to a secluded, scenic vineyard for their treatment, which soon becomes more complex.

As a devoted cinephile, I find myself immersed in a gripping tale where a chilling mystery unfolds. In this intricate web of deceit, I, Héctor Castro, an astute and intuitive police lieutenant, am tasked with unraveling the complex knot of secrets that surrounds the brutal murder of an unknown victim. Each suspect, from the enigmatic psychiatrist’s daughter to myself, carries a hidden story, a potential motive for such a heinous crime. The journey ahead is treacherous and fraught with danger, but I am determined to bring justice to its rightful place, no matter what secrets the shadows of this tangled web may reveal.

In simple terms, Sergio Cánovas from Stellarmedia (“Girls Night Out”) is both the creator and director of this production. Beta Film handles its distribution worldwide, excluding regions covered by SkyShowtime.

In recent times, no region on Earth has experienced such rapid growth in TV programming as Central and Eastern Europe. By 2024, it’s predicted that ‘Global 6’ streamer series orders will surge by a staggering 150%. This projection comes from Ampere Analysis. Recognizing its promising prospects some five years ago, Beta Film has consistently selected top-tier productions from this region. The most recent addition to their collection is “Shattered Bonds,” which is based on the acclaimed novel “The Mothers” by Teodora Dimova and translated into nine languages. This series delves into the profound effects of broken parent-child relationships and their influence on life choices, as observed by Beta Film.

Victor Chouchkov (“Tilt,” “Shakespeare Like a Street Dog”) takes the helm; Overlock Entertainment and Albion Films are the producers, with backing from Nova Broadcasting Group, the primary broadcaster, and additional support from the Bulgarian National Film Centre. Alexander Stanishev, who worked as the cinematographer for Spike Lee’s “Touched By Fire,” featuring Katie Holmes, is serving as Director of Photography. “Shattered Bonds” also receives funding from UNICEF Bulgaria, who will initiate a Stand by Me campaign to foster discussion about a crucial topic – the dialogue between children and their parents.

According to Christina de Bruin, the UNICEF representative in Bulgaria, when parents truly listen and interact with their kids about their worries, aspirations, everyday moments, or challenging subjects, they establish a base for trust, emotional health, resilience, and overall growth.

The German production company Zeitsprung Pictures is presenting a European adaptation of the popular HBO series “Euphoria,” which originated from Israel, at the Berlinale Series Market’s Up Next: Germany showcase on February 17. This new version of “Euphorie” is produced by Beta Film.

The Summer House, another Beta production, makes its global debut as a Berlinale Special, titled “No Beast. So Fierce,” which presents a contemporary interpretation of William Shakespeare’s play, the tragedy of Richard III.

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2025-02-11 13:47