Latest news with #Filmax
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
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Filmax Rolls Out Cesc Gay's ‘My Friend Eva,' Closing Italy, Germany (EXCLUSIVE)
Barcelona-based boutique studio Filmax has rolled out further pre-sales on 'My Friend Eva,' from 'Truman' director Cesc Gay, licensing key territories ahead of the film's Cannes screening, closing Italy (Teodora Films) and Germany and Austria (Neue Visionen). The film was also sold after Berlin's European Film Market to Israel (Lev Cinemas), Greece (Cinobo) and Bulgaria (Beta Films). Cinemania acquired the film rights for former Yugoslavia. More from Variety Hafsia Herzi Brings Live-Wire Spirit to Cannes Competition Title 'The Little Sister': 'I'd Always Dreamed of Doing Something Fast, a Bit Thrown Together.' 'The Mysterious Gaze of the Flamingo' Review: A Chilean Drama About HIV and Transgender Romance 'Sirat' Review: Oliver Laxe's Excruciatingly Tense, Escalatingly Insane Road Trip Through a Desert Purgatory The film turns on Eva (Nora Navas, 'Pain and Glory,' 'The Distinguished Citizen'), a married woman on a quest for passion whose life takes a dramatic turn after a serendipitous encounter in Rome. She remembers what it feels like to fall in love again. Juan Diego Botto ('The Suicide Squad') and Rodrigo de la Serna ('Money Heist') co-star. 'We're big fans of Cesc Gay's films and believe 'My Friend Eva's' lead character, this wonderful, interesting and relatable middle aged woman ,has the power to resonate with a large audience,' said Torsten Frehse, Neue Visionen CEO. 'My Friend Eva' is written by Gay and Edu Sola, winner of a screenplay Goya this year for 'A House on Fire.' It marks the latest from Imposible Films, Gay's near career-long producer. 'The film will have its eagerly-awaited release in Spain in September. Until then, we will continue to celebrate all the film's achievements on the international stage, as well as the news about another one of Cesc's films, 'The People Upstairs,' of which a star-studded American remake was recently announced,' said Diaz. 'Eva is my first female protagonist. I'd been wanting to write a leading lady for a long time, but hadn't dared to… until now! And I'm so glad I did, because I've found both writing and directing this film to be extremely stimulating and needless to say, we're all very happy with the result,' Gay noted. Produced by Marta Esteban at Barcelona-based Imposible Films, writer-director Gay has helmed 10 features since his debut 1998 'Hotel Room.' An ironist, with a sharp sense of societal pressures and the contradictions of human relationships and human foible, Gay is one of a relatively small number of Spanish directors whose films can open in cinema theaters outside Spain to substantial box office, as was the case with 'Truman' in Brazil, for example. He also directed TV series 'Félix,' selected for main competition at Canneseries. Best of Variety New Movies Out Now in Theaters: What to See This Week Emmy Predictions: Talk/Scripted Variety Series - The Variety Categories Are Still a Mess; Netflix, Dropout, and 'Hot Ones' Stir Up Buzz Oscars Predictions 2026: 'Sinners' Becomes Early Contender Ahead of Cannes Film Festival
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Catalan Animation Set for Landmark 2025
In 2023, Catalan animation reached a historic milestone when 'Robot Dreams' scored an Oscar nomination. Far from a singular achievement, that nomination signalled a broader shift already underway. Catalonia's animation industry is experiencing a dynamic evolution, fuelled by bold storytelling, international collaborations and a deepening commitment to cultural authenticity. As 2025 unfolds, a wave of ambitious new titles is poised to cement Catalonia's place on the global animation stage. First is 'The Light of Aisha,' a CG-animated adventure set in 11th-century Al-Andalus, which recently debuted in Spain. Directed by rising talent Shadi Adib, 'Aisha' highlights Spain's Arab heritage, blending rich historical detail with an adventurous spirit. 'This is a special project for us,' says Iván Díaz, head of international at Barcelona-based sales company Filmax. More from Variety Catalonia at Cannes: The Rise of a Cinematic Powerhouse Spcine Links With Hubert Bals Fund, South Africa's NFVF on Co-Development Initiatives 'Shōgun' Star Cosmo Jarvis to Lead 'Young Stalin' Biopic From 'Zone of Interest' Producer Access Entertainment (EXCLUSIVE) Díaz emphasized that Filmax's renewed investment in animationreflects both market opportunities and a commitment to stories with 'something unique or distinctive, critical factors when competing against major studios. Meanwhile, the highly anticipated 'Olivia and the Invisible Earthquake' is gearing up for its main competition debut at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival, the world's most prestigious animation event. Directed by Irene Iborra, the stop-motion film – the first-ever stop-motion feature produced in Catalonia – portrays a young girl coping with family homelessness through imagination and resilience. According to Iborra, the choice of stop-motion helps create a 'safe distance' for young audiences to engage with heavy themes while maintaining a sense of wonder and hope. Adding to the lineup, 'The Treasure of Barracuda' is set for theatrical release later this year. Based on Llanos Campos' beloved novel, the film follows a young girl, Sparks, who joins a pirate crew in search of hidden treasure. 'Barracuda' has already begun securing international deals. And set to launch during the 2025 holiday season, 'Hanna's Forgotten Christmas' is a CG-animated adventure directed by Elena Ruiz. This festive tale sees Hanna and her monster friends on a mission to save Christmas after a mischievous gargoyle erases the holiday from everyone's memories. The momentum behind Catalan animation isn't accidental. Sandra Tapia, executive producer at 'Robot Dreams' backer Arcadia Motion Pictures in Barcelona, attributes the sector's rise to a robust ecosystem built over decades. While talent is the most important factor in building an industry, she argues that nurturing and educating talented individuals is essential. Producers in Catalonia have tremendous pride in the work being done at educational facilities in the region. The Pompeu Fabra and ESCAC have been churned out loads of talent above and below the line and, crucially, the local government has stepped up with of regional grants from ICEC, the promotional efforts of Catalan Films, and the continued support of local broadcaster TV3. Still, challenges remain. Tapia points out that Spain's system still lags France in terms of international distribution support, a crucial factor in why French animated films often outperform their Spanish counterparts globally. 'We need help getting to the Oscars, not just celebrating afterward,' Tapia says. Diaz also stresses caution. While international appetite for animated films is growing, overproduction could flood the market. 'There's a limit,' he warns. 'You have to find your own voice in animation because competing head-to-head with the big studios is almost impossible without it.' Nevertheless, the foundation for long-term success is stronger than ever. With films like 'The Light of Aisha,' 'Olivia and the Invisible Earthquake,' 'The Treasure of Barracuda' and 'Hanna's Forgotten Christmas' poised to make waves, 2025 promises to be a landmark year for Catalan animation. Best of Variety New Movies Out Now in Theaters: What to See This Week Emmy Predictions: Talk/Scripted Variety Series - The Variety Categories Are Still a Mess; Netflix, Dropout, and 'Hot Ones' Stir Up Buzz Oscars Predictions 2026: 'Sinners' Becomes Early Contender Ahead of Cannes Film Festival
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Spanish Titles at This Year's Marché du Film
In addition to Spain's strong presence in Cannes' competition sections this year, the country has numerous high-profile titles looking to woo buyers at the Marché du Film. Below, we look at some of the most intriguing titles set for this year's market. 'Away,' Gerard Oms More from Variety Robert De Niro Unveils First Footage of New Documentary About His Dad, His Own Fatherhood Journey and Mortality: 'It's Not Essential That I See the Final Thing' Cannes Film Market and Consumer Technology Assn. Launch CES Innovation Award Spain's Big Shoot Scene Remains Resilient, Despite Global Headwinds Produced by Zabriskie Films (Spain) and Revolver Amsterdam (Netherlands), 'Away' is a Spanish-Dutch co-production shot entirely in the Netherlands. It employs a naturalistic and neorealist tone to portray the story of a Spanish immigrant adrift in Northern Europe. The film stars Spanish A-lister Mario Casas. Sales: Latido Films 'Deaf,' Eva Libertad Berlin's Panorama Audience Awardwinner 'Deaf,' produced by Distinto Films, Nexus CreaFilms and A Contracorriente Films, addresses motherhood through the lens of the deaf community. It is one of the first Spanish features to fully center the experience of a deaf woman, starring Álvaro Cervantes and Libertad's sister Miriam Garlo. The film promotes accessibility in its storytelling and production choices. Sales: Latido Films 'The Footballest: The Pirate's Treasure Mystery,' Miguel Ángel Lamata Produced by Chester Media Producciones, Wandermoon, Misterio Pirata AIE and Take One, this live-action feature is adapted from a best-selling children's book series. It was developed as a major family entertainment property targeting both Spanish-speaking and international markets, with a vibrant ensemble cast led by Joaquín Reyes and Arturo Valls. Sales: Filmax 'Gaua (The Night),' Paul Urkijo Produced by Irusoin, Ikusgarri Films and Vilaüt Films, with Gaua AIE, this Basque fantasy-horror film uses rural mythological elements to evoke the 17th-century witch trials. Paul Urkijo, acclaimed for 'Errementari' and 'Irati,' once again crafts a uniquely regional cinematic universe combining folklore and psychological terror. Sales: Filmax 'The Gentleman,' Luis Gabriel Beristáin Produced by Esto También Pasará and SDB Films, this Spanish-Mexican co-production features 'Hellboy' actor Ron Perlman. Shot between Spain and Latin America, 'The Gentleman' combines noir influences with modern-day social commentary, focusing on the emotional toll of violence and loss. Sales: Film Factory 'God Sees It' ('Dios lo ve'), Alex Guimerà and Guillem Ventura A feature documentary produced by a consortium of Spanish cultural institutions and production houses, including support from RTVE and 3CAT. God Sees It profiles the provocative, cross-disciplinary career of Oscar Tusquets Blanca, blending interviews with major Spanish creatives like Salvador Dalí and Antonio López. Sales: Feel Sales 'The Harvester' ('Sacamantecas'), David Pérez Sañudo Produced by La Claqueta and Amania Films, 'The Harvester' is a period thriller inspired by historical true crime. Set in the 1870s, the production recreated the city of Vitoria's old quarters with meticulous attention to historical accuracy, featuring Antonio de la Torre in a major starring role. Sales: Latido Films 'Lionel,' Carlos Saiz A Spanish-French co-production led by Bluconic Films, Blur, Icónica and Promenades Films. 'Lionel' is an intimate road movie shot across Spain and France. Its minimalist production mirrors the emotional distance of the father-son journey, and it benefited from support by ICAA (Spain) and the CNC (France). Sales: Sideral 'Our Father, Our President,' Manuel Huerga This Spanish political drama, centered on Jordi Pujol's scandal, combines dramatic reconstructions with historical context. It is produced by Last Minute AIE, Minoria Absoluta, Vilaüt Films and Lastor Media. The project involved extensive research and close collaboration with Catalan historians to ensure authenticity. Sales: Filmax 'The Portuguese House,' Avelina Prat An intimate drama produced by Distinto Films (Spain), O Som e a Fúria (Portugal) and Jaibo Films (Spain). 'The Portuguese House' was shot largely on location in rural Portugal, highlighting local landscapes and architecture. The project received support from Spain's ICAA and Portugal's ICA. Sales: Bendita Film Sales 'The Redemption,' Daniel Guzmán Filmed in Madrid and opening the Malaga Festival, 'The Redemption' reflects the housing crisis that has affected many Spanish inner cities, one of the most popular topics of conversation in Spain today. The film's semi-documentary style captures the gritty reality of economic dislocation. The feature is produced by El Niño Producciones, Aquí y Allí Films, La Mirada Oblicua and Romania's Avanpost. Sales: Film Factory 'The Talent,' Polo Menárguez Produced by the Mediapro Studio and Reposado, 'The Talent' offers a sharp social critique wrapped in a coming-of-age drama. The film combines veteran talent with rising Spanish stars like 'Élite' standout Ester Expósito, aiming at both a youth and prestige audience. 'TheGood Boss' director Fernando León de Aranoa serves as co-screenwriter and producer. Sales: Film Factory 'Los Tigres,' Alberto Rodríguez One of the most ambitious films coming from Spain this year, backed by Movistar Plus+, Kowalski Films, Feelgood Media, Le Pacte and Mazagón Films AIE, 'Los Tigres' is set on theAndalusian coast. Shot often underwater, it uses specialized diving cinematography to tell a story of familial loyalty and crime amid the economic collapse of traditional industries. Sales: Film Factory 'The Van' ('La Furgo'), Eloy Calvo Campos 'The Van,' a live-action departure from the traditionally animation-focused studio Teidees Audiovisuals, tells a father-daughter survival story on the outskirts of Barcelona. The film was independently financed and shot using a stripped-down, verité style. Sales: Sideral 'Who Wants to Marry an Astronaut?' David Matamoros This romantic comedy was shot across the U.S. and Spain and leverages a strong Latin American co-production structure to broaden its reach across different territories. Companies included in the multi-territory production include Mr. Miyagi Films (Spain), Mother Superior (Uruguay) and Sombracine (Argentina). The film has scored upbeat sales already. Sales: Feel Sales 'The 47,' Marcel Barrena Produced by The Mediapro Studio, 'The 47' became the highest-grossing Catalan-language film in over 40 years. A story about urban transport reform, it used historical recreations of 1970s Barcelona and received multiple Goya nominations, and shared a best picture win. Sales: The Mediapro Studio Best of Variety New Movies Out Now in Theaters: What to See This Week Emmy Predictions: Talk/Scripted Variety Series - The Variety Categories Are Still a Mess; Netflix, Dropout, and 'Hot Ones' Stir Up Buzz Oscars Predictions 2026: 'Sinners' Becomes Early Contender Ahead of Cannes Film Festival
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Entertainment
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Concentration Camp Drama ‘Each of Us,' Starring Diane Kruger, Boarded by Beta Cinema
Beta Cinema has secured the international sales rights for the concentration camp drama 'Each of Us,' starring Diane Kruger, whose credits include 'In the Fade,' for which she won best actress in Cannes, 'Inglourious Basterds,' and 'Amrum,' which premieres this week in Cannes. Other lead members of the cast include Carla Juri ('Blade Runner,' 'When Hitler Stole Pink Rabbit,' 'Wetlands'), Aida Folch ('The Artist and the Model,' 'The Island,' 'Smoking Room') and Ninel Geiger ('Music,' 'Sound of Falling'). More from Variety Cannes Market Hot List: Will New Films From Seth Rogen, Pamela Anderson, Rachel Zegler and Jeremy Allen White Spark Bidding Wars? Indonesia's JAFF Market Sets Cannes Agenda With Film Slate, Global Partnerships '[REC]' Producer Filmax Brings to Market 'The Nest,' Drops Promo (EXCLUSIVE) The film tells a story of survival, resistance and sorority in the Ravensbrück women's concentration camp – the only one of its kind – during the final days of World War II. 'Each of Us' is directed by an all-female team of four European filmmakers: Anne Zohra Berrached ('24 Weeks'), Neus Ballús ('The Plague,' 'The Odd-Job Men'), Stina Werenfels ('Dora Or the Sexual Neuroses of Our Parents') and Anna Jadowska ('Woman on the Roof,' 'Wild Roses'). The film, inspired by true stories, is written by screenwriters Eva Pauné and Mirjam Ziegler. It follows the intertwined stories of four women from different countries who struggle to preserve their humanity amidst the brutal conditions of the camp. Their lives become linked through a young girl who brings both hardship to them but also hope. 'Each of Us' is lensed by Agnieszka Holland's favorite director of photography Jolanta Dylewska ('In Darkness,' 'Spoor,' 'Ayka') and edited by Pedro Almodovar's collaborator Teresa Font ('The Room Next Door,' 'Parallel Mothers'). The producers state: 'To allow for an authentic representation of our four protagonists' backgrounds, experiences, and identities, 'Each of Us' is filmed in a truly unique way: each director focused on a different protagonist, offering her individual attention from screenwriting to mise-en-scène. From the rushes, we can tell the result is an awe-inspiring experience — marked by emotional depth and a strong connection to the protagonists and their individual journeys, in which solidarity, the characters' quiet strength, and a sense of hope rise far above the harsh realities depicted.' The film is produced by Alhena Production (Spain), Bon Voyage Films (Germany), Turnus Film (Switzerland), and Blick Productions International (Poland), in co-production with Ramen Studio and EFD Group. The project was developed with the support of Media Creative Europe, and is also supported in Spain by ICAA, ICEC, TVE and TVC, in Germany by ARTE, SR, SWR, RBB, BR, MDM, MOIN and MBB, in Switzerland by BAK, Zurich Filmfund and RGB Stiftung, and in Poland by PISF and WFDIF. The film is in production and being shot in Poland, Germany and Spain. 'We are honored to represent 'Each of Us,' a film that brings together a remarkable team of female directors (two of whom we had the pleasure to work with before, Neus Ballús and Anne Zohra Berrached) and a compelling narrative that resonates universally,' said Thorsten Ritter, executive vice president of Beta Cinema. 'Its exploration of resilience and solidarity in the face of unimaginable adversity is both timely and timeless.' Beta Cinema's Cannes slate also includes Fatih Akin's new film 'Amrum,' screening in official selection, several English-language upcoming titles like the Bill Nighy-led road-movie '500 Miles,' and the market premieres of the Italian hit comedy 'U.S. Palmese' by directors Antonio and Marco Manetti, and the Spanish debut 'The Remnants of You' by Gala Gracia. Best of Variety New Movies Out Now in Theaters: What to See This Week Emmy Predictions: Talk/Scripted Variety Series - The Variety Categories Are Still a Mess; Netflix, Dropout, and 'Hot Ones' Stir Up Buzz Oscars Predictions 2026: 'Sinners' Becomes Early Contender Ahead of Cannes Film Festival
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
‘[REC]' Producer Filmax Brings to Market ‘The Nest,' Drops Promo (EXCLUSIVE)
Barcelona-based studio Filmax is bringing its latest production, psychological thriller 'The Nest' to the Cannes market. Hugo Steven ('Solo') directs and Michelle Jenner ('Berlin,' 'Julieta') stars. In a Filmax strategy employed on 'Darkness,' a breakout U.S. hit for Miramax, the cast and crew of 'The Nest' have shot a promo produced for buyers at Cannes' Marché du Film before the film goes into production over the next few months. More from Variety India's Rahul Bhat Brings 'Lost & Found in Kumbh' to Cannes Market After 'Black Warrant' Netflix Success (EXCLUSIVE) The Mediapro Studio to Adapt 'Beauty and the Beast' Writer Evan Spiliotopoulos' First Novel (EXCLUSIVE) TrustNordisk's 'The Last Viking' Adds Buyers, Unveils First-Look Image (EXCLUSIVE) Filmax has shared the promo in exclusivity with Variety: The promo is in English, though the film itself will be shot in Spanish. Penned by Santiago Lallana ('Solo'), César de Nicolás and Stuven, 'The Nest' turns on Marta, who is so obsessed with protecting her family from the terrifying outside world that she keeps her mother and young son locked in their mountain village home. Everything seems to go well until one day a man arrives, intent on destroying everything Marta has built. In the promo, holding her son, Marta expounds the rules her mother and young son must obey: 'You can never go out at day, only at night, but you must never cross the forest, because evil is born between its roots.' Her aged mother appears as the camera pans away to a large box chained to the floor and Marta pronounces the last rule: 'Never ever go near the sincerity box.' From the sound of hushed breathing, someone or something appears to be in the box. Filmax — which is behind genre hits '[REC],' 'The Nameless,' 'The Machinist' — will also handle distribution in Spain as well as world sales. 'With such a long list of genre film successes behind us, at Filmax we've been waiting a long time to find a project worthy enough to live up to our back catalog. 'The Nest' is that project,' said Iván Díaz, Filmax head of international. ''The Nest' has all the elements of a classic suspense movie and the story it tells of what goes on behind the closed doors of one family is both disturbing and terrifying,' says producer Laura Fernández at Filmax. 'A perverse, cold and calculating woman, convinced she's doing what's necessary to protect her family, keeps her mother and young son locked up inside the house,' she adds. 'The constant sense of unease makes it both captivating and horrifying. It's a story that takes place inside one house, within one family, but one which could, unfortunately, be splashed across the pages of any newspaper tomorrow.' Best of Variety New Movies Out Now in Theaters: What to See This Week Emmy Predictions: Talk/Scripted Variety Series - The Variety Categories Are Still a Mess; Netflix, Dropout, and 'Hot Ones' Stir Up Buzz Oscars Predictions 2026: 'Sinners' Becomes Early Contender Ahead of Cannes Film Festival
