As I delve into the captivating world of these upcoming genre films, I am struck by the diverse backgrounds and experiences of the directors behind them. Each one brings a unique perspective to their craft, having honed their skills through years of acting, teaching, or working within the film industry.
Ventana Sur’s Blood Window has long been recognized as a significant showcase for genre films across Latin America. This year, it reappears with a selection of seven movies as part of its Blood Window Screenings program.
This selection offers a variety of genres, such as traditional horror, science fiction movies, ghost stories, and suspenseful dramas, highlighting the broad spectrum of narratives possible within these categories and the expanding boundaries of what constitutes genre filmmaking.
This year’s Blood Window lineup expands beyond its traditional horror focus, showcasing a wider range of topics, and it appears more contemporary compared to past editions of the program. Interestingly, most of this year’s Latin American genre films are set in the present day, with those that aren’t being primarily set within the last half-century, excluding one film from the 1960s. Unlike previous years where genre tropes and metaphors were often used to tackle current issues, this year’s narratives directly address contemporary themes instead.
Here, we’re delving into the details of the seven movies gracing this year’s Blood Window Screening lineup. These movies fall under two categories: those that are nearly complete during the final stages of post-production, and those already fully made.
“Borealis,” Heixan Robles (Puerto Rico)
In this science fiction suspense movie, the story begins following an extraordinary solar flare that triggers massive memory loss worldwide. Amidst the ensuing confusion, the main character Thalía embarks on a journey to reclaim her identity and locate her missing child. Heixan Robles, who studied at NYU and gained experience in indie filmmaking within the New York region, is both the director and cinematographer of this production. Now based in Puerto Rico, he continues his work in their cinema and advertising industries, having also served as a cinematographer for recent festival successes such as “The Last Tour” and “The Imaginary Line.
“Game Over,” Carlos Marin (Mexico)
Made by Pulsar Films, this horror movie revolves around an urban myth within the gaming community. As the tale goes, a retro video game cartridge harbors an evil spirit that is summoned when the game is played. Tragically, a young video blogger meets his end while attempting to debunk this legend by searching for the game. Now, his sister must devise a plan to halt the sinister force that has begun terrorizing her and her companions. Marín, a renowned screenwriter, is behind this production; their past works include “When the Children Return,” “Union Day,” and the three-time Mexican Academy Ariel Award nominee “Massacre in Teques.
“Love Kills,” Luiza Shelling Tubaldini (Brazil)
This gripping nighttime thriller, produced by Filmland Internacional, is set amidst the vibrant cityscape of Sao Paulo. The story revolves around Helena, a vampire who’s drifting away from her remaining human traits. In an unexpected encounter during one of her hunts, she crosses paths with Marcos, a human who attempts to shield her from danger, oblivious to her nocturnal nature. This incident brings them closer and makes Helena question if her humanity still lingers within her. Director Shelling Tubaldini, known for his work as a producer, screenwriter, and director of films such as the critically acclaimed “Motorrad” (screened in Toronto) and Netflix’s “Yakuza Princess,” which was one of the top 5 most-watched films globally during its debut week, is at the helm of this production.
“No One Will Hear Your Scream,” Mariano Cattaneo (Argentina)
During the soccer frenzy of the 1990 World Cup in Argentina, an unnerving serial killer exploits deserted streets to perpetrate heinous acts. Micaela, a record store worker, stumbles upon a chilling connection between the murderer and her shop when she fixes a victim’s answering machine, revealing ominous messages, unwittingly placing herself in the crosshairs of the killer. Black Mandala brings to life this timeless slasher masterfully directed by Cattaneo, an accomplished genre expert whose portfolio boasts hits such as “La chica más rara del mundo” on Disney+ (viewed over a million times), the animated web series “Del Amor a la Muerte”, and the action-comedy “Una tumba para tres.
“Tekenchu,” Carlos Matienzo Serment (Mexico)
In the 1960s, a Mexican village is left reeling by the gruesome murders of children whose teeth were missing upon death. A federal agent is dispatched to probe this chilling mystery, leading him to an unsettling revelation about mysticism and the ancient Mexican belief in “nahuales” – beings that are half-human, half-animal. Matienzo Serment, a director renowned for his prowess in thrillers and horror, won the 17th IMCINE Call in 2017 with “Escondidas” and garnered the 2020 audience award at Feratum with “Tekenchu,” the short film that served as the foundation for his Blood Window feature. Ki Visual is the production company behind this project.
“Black Water,” Santiago Ventura (Uruguay)
This psychological thriller titled “La Mayor Cine and Chester Films Production” follows the tale of Mara, a budding swimmer who travels to Montevideo for training under Laura, a retired champion aiming to prepare her for the South American Championships. As they spend time together, a perilous romantic connection emerges between the two young women, with fateful outcomes for each. Ventura, an accomplished actor with expertise in both Latin American and Spanish film industries, also provides acting coaching. In 2021, he directed the Amazon Prime Video original production “Grey Eyes.
“Simbiontes,” Christian Mejía Carrascal (Colombia)
In a chilling sci-fi thriller, an enigmatic symbiotic creature makes its way to a remote, rugged mountain range, drawing in various individuals – from altruistic seekers searching for redemption to ruthless mercenaries aiming to eliminate any perceived danger. Mejía Carrascal, director of FantasoLab for genre films, is an acclaimed filmmaker whose short “La Memoría de los Peces” received a special jury prize at Cairo. At present, the movie “Simbiontes,” which received funding from the Colombian Film Fund for 2022 production and was featured in the Coming Soon section at Sitges and WIP section at BIF Market – Brussels Genre Film Market this year, is under post-production. This film, marking Carrascal’s directorial debut, is being produced through his own company, Oveja Eléctrica.
Read More
- PENDLE PREDICTION. PENDLE cryptocurrency
- ACT PREDICTION. ACT cryptocurrency
- W PREDICTION. W cryptocurrency
- Skull and Bones Players Report Nerve-Wracking Bug With Reaper of the Lost
- NBA 2K25 Review: NBA 2K25 review: A small step forward but not a slam dunk
- SOLO PREDICTION. SOLO cryptocurrency
- Mastering Destiny 2: Tips for Speedy Grandmaster Challenges
- Rainbow Six Siege directory: Quick links to our tips & guides
- Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake Review: History Repeats
- Overwatch Director wants to “fundamentally change” OW2 beyond new heroes and maps
2024-11-19 18:17