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Boxing, Uprisings, LGBTQ+ and Coming-of-Age Stories Power Guadalajara Co-Production Meetings Lineup
Celebrating its 21st edition, the Co-Production Meetings hosted by the Guadalajara Film Festival's (FICG) industry program, aims to foster collaboration among producers from Latin America, Spain and Portugal. Unfolding over the three days of industry activities June 9 -11, the selected projects vie for cash awards, one of which covers nearly the entire production of a film—from development through post-production—all in a single award, according to Industry head, Ximena Urrutia. More from Variety Climate Change Hell, Military Coups, Big Industry Pollution, Fractured Families: Guadalajara Gives a Bracing Latin American Take on World Collapse Guadalajara Highlights Hits, Notable Debuts Among Recent Spanish, Portuguese-Language Movies, Plus a Film About a 'Hell of Naked Depravity' Leading Mexican Post-Production Houses Chemistry and Semillero Join Forces in Guadalajara (EXCLUSIVE) 'It's a significant boost for the selected projects,' Urrutia tells Variety, adding: 'We have approximately 20 projects participating in the Co-Production Meetings. We work closely with each of them, identifying their specific needs and matching them with the right industry professionals to help move their projects forward.' 'These are often early-stage projects—some come to us as mere concepts or story outlines, without even a completed script. That's all we require for submission: a clear narrative idea. From there, the development process begins,' she notes. The selection includes three projects set in the boxing world, while a few are LGBTQ+ themed with one, 'Diamonds are Forever,' featuring a gay boxer. Coming-of-age, music and identity stories abound. Acclaimed Chilean actress-helmer ('Chile '76') Manuela Martelli co-directs and acts in the film-within-a-film drama, 'Cupid's Arrow.' Running parallel to the Co-Production Meetings is Episodio Cero, a program focused on series rather than films. This follows a similar format, supporting the development and realization of serialized content. Titles in the Co-Production Meetings: 'This Bolero is for Ita' ('Un bolero para Ita,' Writer: Camila Caballero, Colombia) Produced by Sebastian Caballero and Vanessa Gómez of Red Collision Studios ('The Judge's Shadow'), Gustavo, an elderly radio host, is stranded at the Venezuelan-Colombian border while trying to repair his mixing console. As the sudden closure deepens the rift with his wife back home, he makes a final attempt to reach her—broadcasting the first bolero he ever dedicated to her. 'There are almost no films that tell the story of the border crisis through love, especially with two elderly protagonists. This film captures the heartache of being torn apart overnight from the person with whom you've shared a life.' Project has tapped Colombia's Film Development Fund and will participate in the Bogota Audiovisual Market (BAM). No director attached yet. 'Rebellion of Memory' ('Rebelión de Memoria,' Joël Jent, Switzerland, Peru) Documentary. Between 1980 and 2001, Peru's Andean highlands were ravaged by conflict between the Shining Path guerrilla and state forces. A former child soldier and his parents – once on opposing sides – now struggle to confront their past and seek reconciliation in the shadow of memory. 'This is the first film to include decision makers of both sides of Peru's civil war,' says Jent ('Eating the Silence'), who attends FICG. Project has tapped several Swiss incentives and participated in various labs including the IDFA Project Space, DOK Leipzig Co-Production Market and EsoDoc where it won the Pitching Award in 2023. 'Rebellion' ('Rebeldia,' Maria de Medeiros, Portugal, Brazil, Luxembourg) Based on the true story of Annie Silva Pais, daughter of Portugal's secret police chief, who abandoned her life in 1965 to join the Cuban Revolution. A devoted revolutionary and Fidel Castro's translator, she returned only after the Carnation Revolution – to fight for her father's release. Produced by leading Portuguese shingle, Fado Filmes, and to be directed by actress Maria de Medeiros ('Pulp Fiction'). In development, the project already has 50% of its budget in place and seeks to cover at least 20% from a Latin American partner. 'First We Take Anillaco' ('Primero tomamos Anillaco,' Paula Martel, Argentina, Chile, Brazil, Uruguay) Coming-of-age road movie and standout at March's Malaga Festival Fund & Co-Production event. It follows a gang of teenagers who set out across northern Argentina on a wild mission: to assassinate the country's most corrupt and reviled former president. Producers Colectivo Rutemberg, Filmes Sem Sapato, Color Haus and Circular Media are seeking to connect with distributors, sales agents and platforms. To date, 25% of the budget is in place. Producer Francisco Novick has participated with his films in Fulgor Lab, Cartagena Production Meeting, Tallinn Black Nights, DOK Liepzig and the BR Lab, among others. 'The Young and the Broken' ('Los Hijos también lloran,' Lorena Maza, Mexico) Dramedy produced by Traziende Films and Tejuino Ent., turns on an actor who reconstructs his 1980s childhood in order to understand the trauma of his father's sudden death. Between theater, film and television, he retraces his life through the very forms that taught him how to feel, tell stories and endure. It is lead produced by Monica Vargas who founded Traziende 25 years ago, and whose multiple credits include Netflix's first Mexican series, 'Club of Crows' ('Club de Cuervos'). Writer-lead Actor Andrés Zuno ('Señora Acero') adapts his autobiographical novel and play. 'Blurring the lines between what is factual and what is imagined, this one-of-a-kind film involves experimental forms of writing and storytelling, pushing the boundaries of traditional narrative structures,' says Vargas. 'Cupid's Arrow' ('La fleche de Cupido,' Ernesto Meléndez & Manuela Martelli, Chile) Produced by Olimpo Films which aims at creating elevated queer cinema. Antonio, a little-known foreign actor, arrives in Santiago to star in his partner Millaray's new film—an erotic gay drama set in 1973. Fiction blurs with reality when he falls for his co-star, and brother-in-law, Lautaro. 'This is a project that takes the soup opera genre to create a meta-proposition in which a film director films a movie that unwittingly reflects her reality. The film within the film will actually be directed by the actress who plays the director (Manuela Martelli), creating an interesting (or unprecedented) performative co-directed film,' says writer, co-director Meléndez. Participated in the 2023 ValpoLab and has tapped Chile's film fund to finalize the script. 'God's Favorite Girl' ('La favorita de Dios,' Diego Ulloa Alvear, Spain, Ecuador) From Barcelona-based Funicular Films, founded in 2021 by Aina Clotet, Jan Andreu, Marc Clotet, and Marta Baldó. Its first production, 'This Is Not Sweden,' premiered in 2023 and received the Prix Europa for Best European TV Fiction, the Ondas Award for Best Comedy Series and recognition at Canneseries. At Guadalajara, the company is represented by Baldó and director Diego Ulloa, who co-wrote the screenplay with Marina Parés. Pic follows 16-year-old Pachi who claims to receive messages from the Virgin Mary after her parents announce their divorce—an act that escalates into a national controversy. The project won First Prize at ESCAC's Opera Prima Lab. 'This is a project with soul, humor and a deep sense of humanity wrapped in a hyperlocal story. A teenager eager to please, a perfectionist mother, a deeply hypocritical society and a lie that ends up shaking an entire country,' says Baldó. 'The Insignificant' ('La Chaucha,' Alfonso Gazitúa Gaete, Chile) Coming-of-age drama turns on Marina, a shy 15-year-old girl struggling with panic attacks, who dreams of competing in female freestyle. With the support of a musician and an unconventional band, she learns to face her fears and find her own voice. Produced by Chile's Ciudad Cultural Prods, led by Alexis Sánchez, a company dedicated to telling authentic Latin American stories with creativity and technical excellence, creating original content for film, television, and digital platforms with global reach. 'Inspired by my teenage kids, I explore youth mental health, self-worth and the struggle to express oneself—what my parents called 'la chaucha,' a symbol of unrealized potential,' says Gazitúa Gaete. 'The Beam' ('La Centella,' Nicolás Gutiérrez Wenhammar, Mexico) Documentary described as a captivating journey through the mysterious phenomena that traverse the Mexican skies, told through the eyes of those who have witnessed them. Produced by Cauce Prods. and El Relicario Cine, led by Jorge Diez Maza and Gutierrez, project has nearly 25% of its budget in place and seeks co-producers as well as development and production funding. Cauce, a transmedia conception, production and distribution organization founded in 2015, has produced and distributed two features ('Mientras la prisión exista,' and 'Sísifos') and two transmedia projects (' 'La Noche sin sombra'). ''La Centella' is a poetic documentary that blends science fiction, oral storytelling, and Mexican folklore to explore luminous phenomena in the sky. Its hybrid form and dreamlike aesthetic celebrate mystery as a source of imagination,' says Diez. 'Juliette & Camille,' (Paloma Zapata, Spain) Documentary follows two ethnically diverse musicians as they come together to create the soundtrack for a documentary. But their collaboration transforms into a journey of self-discovery, as both delve into their pasts in search of their place in the present. Produced by La Fabrica Naranja and Indigena Films with Sara Horta leading the production. Project has nearly 70% of its budget in place and seeks a sales agent and distributor. Horta previously founded the company Pixel Films which produced short films 'La niña azul,' 'Ainhou' and 'Restart.' She produced the drama 'Dhogs,' which premiered at Bafici and Sitges. 'Undefeated' ('Invicta,' Inti Herrera & Yoe Pérez, Cuba) Documentary produced by Neissy Delgado and Reymel Delgado of 14films about female boxer Namibia who was never able to represent Cuba in the ring. Against all odds in the male dominated sport, she survives undefeated in the county where only men can box. Project has 21% of its budget in place and seeks co-producers in both production and post-production stages. Delgado is executive producing two sports features and a historical fiction film. Director Herrera's producing credits include zombie slacker comedy 'Juan of the Dead' by Juan Brugués, which won a Goya, Spain's Oscar equivalent, and Carlos Lechuga's 'Melaza.' 'Evolet' (Ian Martín, Mexico) Fantasy horror drama in development, set in the mystical realm of Eldoria, where Princess Evolet seeks to claim the throne from her half-brother, guided by a powerful curse that grants her deepest desires—at a dire cost. A winner of the Feratum 2024 Residency, 'Evolet' explores themes of power, ambition, and identity. The project is led by Islandia, an independent production company founded by Alex Briseño (Samuel Kishi's 'Somos Maripepa'), committed to emotionally resonant cinema. With current projects including 'Tú y Yo' and 'Tornado Rojo,' Islandia is seeking co-producers for Martín's debut feature. 'It's a drama that explores the power we grant ourselves with titles like leaders or kings, and how those powers can vanish,' says Briseño. 'The Foreign Man' ('El Extranjero,' Sebastián Rodríguez, Argentina, Spain) Lechiguana Films, a boutique production company founded in Buenos Aires in 2021, is represented at FICG by founding partner and EP Nicolás Torcanowsky. Known for music videos for artists like Dillom and Lali, and films with sister company Vista Sur ('El Faro,''Dalia and the Red Book'). Written and directed by Rodríguez, 'The Foreign Man' is a political thriller set during Argentina's 1978 World Cup. The story follows a Spanish journalist who gets entangled with a young activist during the dictatorship in Argentina. The project has gained momentum through labs like Mendoza, Bolivia, MAFIZ and Medellin, and seeks co-production partners in Europe and Latin America. 'Beast' ('El Bestia,' Isidoro Sarfati, Mexico) Produced by Carolina Amador and Isidoro Sarfati of Bamba Films, 'Beast' follows boxer Gama whose delusions of grandeur, a ruthless trainer and struggles with his inner demons transform him into 'El Bestia.' Sports drama has some 25% of its projected budget and is seeking more partners in production and distribution. Producers are looking to tap the Jalisco cash rebate. Amador's credits include 'Santitos' and 'Sexo, pudor y lagrimas.' Sarfati, a London Film School graduate, produced 'Through the Eyes' ('A los ojos') by Michel and Victoria Franco. 'Love in the Time of Bacaneria' ('El amor en los tiempos de Bacaneria,' Patricia Pepen, Dominican Republic) In the hard-scrabble streets of Santo Domingo, 17-year-old Zuleika drifts through broken romances and a tense bond with her mother, until hitting rock bottom forces her to search for the love she's longed for – within herself. Produced by Mentes Fritas, founded in 2007, with credits that included SXSW Audience awardee 'La Bachata de Bionico.' Project's development trajectory includes participation in Malaga's Warmi Lab, Cartagena's Opera Prima lab, Cannes' Producers Network, etc. Says writer-producer Cristian Mojica: 'It offers an authentic, vibrant Dominican story that resonates deeply with the contemporary pulse of Latin American youth. Set in a Caribbean universe with a feminist DNA and a fresh narrative voice, it blends dembow, the streets and love into a raw and entertaining tale.' 'Diamonds are Forever' ('Diamante, o Bailarina,' Pedro Jorge Cabron, Brazil) Emílio, a young Black gay boxer, trains under his estranged father and enters the ring in drag—fighting for pride, respect, and acceptance. Founded in 2013, Paideia Filmes creates socially engaged content for diverse audiences. Its six award-winning films, including 'Elections' and 'My Body is Political,' have screened at over 100 festivals and streamed on Mubi, Globoplay, and Amazon Prime. Backed by São Paulo's Spcine incentives, it has participated in Ventana Sur, Rio2C and other industry events. 'This is a film about a son searching for his father. What makes it unique is that this journey unfolds between a queer drag performer and a homophobic father, brought together by boxing. Two worlds that clash and learn to coexist,' says Heverton Lima, who attends FICG. 'Casilda,' (Urzula Barba Hopfner, Mexico) CasiIda, a former orchestra pianist and recovering cocaine addict, returns home to Guadalajara after her brother's suicide, confronting family fractures and beginning a journey of self-discovery. Directed and produced by Urzula Barba Hopfner whose 'Corina' won best feature at FICG Made in Jalisco last year and the SXSW Audience Award. Argentine political scientist and producer Emiliano Mansilla has worked with the likes of Guillermo Arriaga, Amat Escalante, Nick Cassavetes and Maria Ripoll. Project has 20% of its budget covered and seeks more co-producing partners. 'Witches of the Island' ('Brujas de la Isla,' Crisfel Jimenez Contreras, Dominican Republic) In the Dominican Republic, witches are more than folklore—they're feared figures said to steal blood and spread evil. This documentary uncovers the truth behind the myth, exploring the island's enduring superstitions, stories, and fears. Co-produced by Flor Blanca, the first indie film company based in Bonao, focusing on socially relevant stories, emerging talent and taboo topics, and Alba Films, based in La Romana, which aims to co-produce bold, auteur-driven films with global appeal. Says Yatnna Montilla, a producer alongside Laura Bennitez: The myth of the witches still exists in the Dominican Republic, especially in the rural areas. Deeply rooted in religious and popular culture, it is very often seen as truth. The line between the reality and the myth becomes blurred, and this confusion continues to harm women, especially those who are isolated and silenced. It could be any of us.' Best of Variety 25 Hollywood Legends Who Deserve an Honorary Oscar New Movies Out Now in Theaters: What to See This Week Emmy Predictions: Animated Program — Can Netflix Score Big With 'Arcane,' 'Devil May Cry' and the Final Season of 'Big Mouth?'
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'Pulp Fiction's' Maria de Madeiros Receives Tribute at Guadalajara's Portugal Country of Honor Celebrations
Portugal has brought a bevy of producers, directors and actors to the 40th Guadalajara Film Festival where its Country of Honor celebrations include a tribute to Portuguese actor and director Maria de Medeiros at the fest's closing ceremony. 'Portugal is part of the Ibero-American community and I think that it's very important for us, as a Spanish-speaking country to have the Portuguese attending in force,' explains Estrella Araiza, Guadalajara's general director. More from Variety 40th Guadalajara Film Festival Opens With Mexico's First Stop-Motion Animated Feature 'I Am Frankelda' as It Launches New Genre Sidebar Zoe Saldaña, Rooney Mara, Nava Mau and Mexico's Oscar Submission 'Sujo' Among Stars and Films in GuadaLAjara Film Festival Lineup (EXCLUSIVE) Tribeca, Guadalajara, Tallinn, Rio, Sanfic Execs Map Out How Festivals Are Evolving in a Post-Pandemic Context (EXCLUSIVE) 'I think Portuguese cinema can definitely reinforce its ties with Latin America. It has a clear sensitivity for countries outside the European Union, which is very rare and precious. Every Portuguese film I've seen explores complex human situations and emotions. In a world wracked by convulsion, controversy and war, I think it's important to get back to core issues facing humanity.' Maria de Medeiros will provide a masterclass in which she will talk about her career, focusing on her directorial debut, 'Captains of April' (2000) about Portugal's 1974 revolution. Veteran producer Paulo Branco will give a masterclass on The Freedom to Make Films. Masterclasses on animation will be provided by João Gonzalez, who will discuss his Oscar-nominated short 'Ice Merchants,' and by Regina Pessoa who will talk about her creative process, spanning shorts such as 'The Night,' 'Tragic Story with Happy Ending' 'Kali, the Little Vampire' and 'Uncle Thomas, Accounting for the Days.' 'I've always admired Regina Pessoa's career,' says Araiza. 'It's a wonderful opportunity to have Portuguese animation directors meet our animation industry here in Jalisco. I think both our industries share a similar sensitivity. I think it's going to be a very good match!' A total of 38 Portuguese films will screen in the festival's various sections, including shorts, features, animation and documentaries. There are 10 Portuguese films in competitions, amongst 38 Portuguese films screening in the festival's various sections, including shorts, features, animation and documentaries. Paulo Carneiro's 'Savanna and the Mountain,' Albert Serra's 'Tardes de Soledad' and Takashi Sugimoto's 'Black Gold,' are competing for best Ibero-American documentary. Justin Amorim's 'Flying Carpet' is vying for best Ibero-American short and two Portuguese pics are competing for the Maguey Award, which celebrates LGBTQ cinema – Paula Tomás Marques' 'Twice João Liberated' and Justine Lemahieu's 'Them, Fado Bicha.' Salvador Gil's 'Rogéria' is shortlisted for the Youth Jury Award. Luís Chaby Vaz, president of Portugal's Institute of Cinema and Audiovisual (ICA), is attending and was recently appointed executive secretary of the Conference of Ibero-American Cinematographic Authorities (CACI). 'Guadalajara is keen to attract large audiences to its screenings, which is a magnificent opportunity for our films,' says Chaby Vaz. 'I found their curatorial choices very interesting, since they touch on different eras, varying from our best-known directors, some of whom sadly are no longer with us, to contemporary productions which will premiere at the festival.' Portugal is a member of Ibermedia, has a bilateral co-production treaty with Brazil and a co-development agreement with Uruguay. A dedicated co-production meeting between Portuguese and Latin American producers will be held on June 7 and director Gonçalo Galvão Teles will pitch 'Rebeldia' in FICG's Co-production program and Filipe Bessa Vieira will pitch 'Rua Gisberta' in the Episode 0 sidebar. Portuguese films screening at Guadalajara include co-productions between Portugal and Latin America such as 'Dreaming with Lions,' by Greek-Portuguese director Paolo Marinou-Blanco, competing for best Ibero-American fiction feature film, and 'The Memory of Butterflies,' by Peruvian director, Tatiana Fuentes Sadowsk. Portugal is keen to increase its visibility in leading film festivals and last year was Country of Honor at the Annecy Animation Festival, where it staged an impressive showcase of one of its most vital and vibrant of filmmaking sectors. 'Portugal is a medium-sized European country and we're strongly committed to co-production which increases our creative options and financial capacity and guarantees more effective distribution,' Chaby Vaz explains. Portugal's presence at Guadalajara also includes a gastronomy event with Chef Kiko, one of Portugal's leading chefs, and a café concert with The Fado Bicha band. There will be an exhibition dedicated to Nuno Beato's stop-motion animated feature, 'My Grandfather's Demons' which had its world premiere at Annecy in 2022, and a showcase of Portuguese locations entitled 'Portugal is Art.' 'Mexico is a strategic market for us in terms of attracting film productions and at a wider level of tourism,' explains Ana Marques, executive director of the Portugal Film Commission who will also be attending. '17 billboards outside the festival building will showcase the diversity of our locations – not only to the general public but also to Latin American producers with whom we aim to promote co-productions.' 'This is a unique opportunity for our industry,' concludes Chaby Vaz. 'It enables our producers and talent to establish closer ties with producers in Latin America and specifically with Mexican producers, who are absolutely exceptional.' Best of Variety New Movies Out Now in Theaters: What to See This Week Emmy Predictions: Animated Program — Can Netflix Score Big With 'Arcane,' 'Devil May Cry' and the Final Season of 'Big Mouth?' What's Coming to Netflix in June 2025
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Guadalajara Highlights Hits, Notable Debuts Among Recent Spanish, Portuguese-Language Movies, Plus a Film About a ‘Hell of Naked Depravity'
José María Cravioto's 'Cars, Pot & Rock 'N' Roll: The Legend of the Mexican Woodstock' and Victoria Franco's 'Twelve Moons' feature in the Mezcal Mexican competition at this year's Guadalajara Film Festival. Its other main competition, focusing on Ibero-American fiction movies and doc features, takes in two of the biggest hits this year from Spain, Portugal and Latin America: Brazilian Gabriel Mascaró's 'The Blue Trail' and Spaniard Eva Libertad's 'Deaf,' both big hits at Berlin. More from Variety Leading Mexican Post-Production Houses Chemistry and Semillero Join Forces in Guadalajara (EXCLUSIVE) 'Pulp Fiction's' Maria de Madeiros Receives Tribute at Guadalajara's Portugal Country of Honor Celebrations 40th Guadalajara Film Festival Opens With Mexico's First Stop-Motion Animated Feature 'I Am Frankelda' as It Launches New Genre Sidebar As importantly, the Ibero-American Competition also highlights tales which deserve far more attention: a highly thoughtful first feature from Gerard Oms, 'Away' ('Molt Lluny'), with a career-high turn by star Mario Casas; 'Martina's Search,' led by the frequently magnificent Argentinian player Mercedes Morán, and Puerto Rico's 'This Island,' part of a new Caribbean cinema which is ever more frequently scoring top fest berths. Taken together, Guadalajara's biggest two festival strands say a lot about where what was formerly called arthouse cinema is heading in the region. One direction is most certainly co-production. Nine of the 12 titles in the Ibero-American fiction feature competition yoke partners from at least two countries. Three – 'Bitter Gold,' 'The Blue Trail,' 'The Cottage' – feature four, Chile, an inveterate co-producer, partnering on all of them. Brazil is back to the table, with five titles, as Chile; Argentina has just two. Debuts – first solo narrative features – abound: Over half of the Ibero-American contenders are first or second features. Increasingly, however, the debutants are highly respected mid-career directors, led by Mexico's Alejandro Zuno and Brazil's Marcia Fária, who have carved out a name directing hit series. The streaming revolution is also caught in a building phenomenon: the number of titles which say a lot about the world but also prime entertainment or genre, whether the insistent comedy of 'Cars, Pot & Rock 'N' Roll,' a film which nails the past and present contradictions of Mexico, the horror undertones of 'The Cottage' or the thriller propulsion of 'Bitter Gold,' part of a growing crossover Chilean film scene. 'Since we founded Juntos, we have considered ourselves as a production company that seeks to reconcile the artistic gaze with the search for increasingly wider audiences,' Daniela Raviola, at 'Bitter Gold's' lead producer Juntos, has told Variety. In an age where streamers, global or regional, are one mainstay of cinema, it's an increasing newer generation calling. A breakdown of titles in Guadalajara's Mezcal and Ibero-America Fiction Features competitions: Mezcal Prize Titles, Focusing on Mexican Fiction Films, Doc-Features 'Cars, Pot & Rock 'N' Roll: The Legend of the Mexican Woodstock,' ('Autos, Mota y Rocanrol,' (José María Cravioto) The latest from top-flight maverick Cravioto, a 'Diablero' showrunner and director on 'El Chapo' and now Alex Pina's 'Billionaires' Bunker.' Here he delivers an often comedic mockumentary seeking to decipher what he calls one of the most critical episodes of Mexican counter-culture: the Festival de Avándaro. Meant to be a car race, it ballooned into Mexico's Woodstock, lambasted by one voice in Mexico's conservative establishment as 'a hell of naked depravity, blood, potheads and death.' Mexico's government cracked down on rock 'n' roll, which took a decade to recover. 'Café Chairel,' (Fernando Barreda Luna) Starring 'After Lucía's' Tessa la, a second chance romantic drama, set in the picturesque port of Tampico, as Alfonso (Maurice Isaac) and Katia (la), both suffering deep loss, launch a café and haltingly, awaken to life. The second feature as a director of Barreda Luna, produced by his label Nopal Army Films ('Crocodiles'). 'Crocodiles,' ('Cocodrilos,' J. Xavier Velasco) World premiered at April's Chicago Latino Film Festival, a tragically real-event-based thriller, inspired by the murder of at least 141 journalists and other media workers in Mexico this century. Young Veracruz shutterbug Santiago takes on his boss' final investigation after her assassination by organized crime. Velasco's feature debut and also a Nopal Army Films production. 'Twelve Moons,' ('Doce Lunas,' Victoria Franco) A Tribeca International Narrative Competition entry, led by Ana de la Reguera ('Ana,' 'Nacho Libre' ), recent star of Ariel Winograd's Mexican B.O, breakout 'Una Pequeña Confusion,' here playing Sofía, 40, an architect in emotional freefall after a loss, battling infertility and ever spiralling addiction. From Victoria Franco, director with brother Michel Franco on 2013's 'Through the Eyes.' 'Twelve Moons' is produced by Michel Franco, sold by The Match Factory. 'Newborn,' ('Un Mundo Para Mi,' Alejandro Zuno) A couple is told its soon-to-be-born baby's sex cannot be determined. The father wants a sex to be assigned, the mother begins to investigate intersexuality. The latest from Zuno, a director on Series Mania International Panorama best director winner 'Tengo Que Morir Todas las Noches' and on 'The Secret of the River,' the No. 1 Netflix show in Mexico for five weeks last Fall. Seen in Mar del Plata's Latin American Competition last year. Documentaries 'At the End of the World,' (Abraham Escobedo Salas, Mexico, Belgium) After 2022's 'Breaking la Vida,' the second feature-length doc from Escobedo Salas tracking Cecilio, a Lisbon squatter, as he battle with drug addiction, finding some dignity and solidarity on the way. Based on a 2021 short which scored a Mexican Academy Ariel Award nomination. 'Boca Vieja,' (Yovegami Ascona Mora) Selected for Berlin's 2024 European Film Market Equity & Inclusion program, shot in a coastal hamlet in Oaxaca, flooded in the rainy season, its inhabitants fearing they will lose their land forever. Directed by Ascona Mora, winner of Hazlo en Cortometraje with doc short 'Mëët Naax' (Con la Tierra). 'Isleño,' (Cesar Talamantes) The return of Talamantes who directed his admired first doc feature 'Los Otros Californianos' back in 2012, about Baja California Sur rancho dwellers. Here he ventures even further afield recording the daily life of inhabitants on remote Baja islands, its challenges and the glorious beauty of the Pacific Ocean. 'I Watched the Drops Fall, Illuminated by the Lightning, and With Every Breath I Took, I Sighed, and Every Time I Thought, I Thought of You,' ('Miraba caer las gotas iluminadas por los relámpagos, y cada que respiraba suspiraba, y cada vez que pensaba, pensaba en ti,' Pepe Gutiérrez, Carlos San Juan) A doc-feature on the origins and development of colonialism, exploring the Manila-Acapulco Spanish trade route opened in 1565 and used until 1815, exchanging New World silver for Chinese and Asian luxury goods. 'To be Named Olympia,' ('Llamarse Olimpia,' Indira Cato) A portrait of Olimpia Coral Melo, victim of viral digital sexual assault, who fought for 13 years for the practice to be criminalized in Mexico, now established by the Olimpia Law, adopted in many Mexican states. Directed by Cato, co-writer of 2014's 'All of Me' ('Llévate mis amores'), a breakout hit. Ibero-American Fiction Feature Section 'Away, ('Molt Lluny,' Gerard Oms, Spain, Netherlands) The acclaimed feature debut of Oms, turning on the journey of self-discovery of a Spaniard, Sergio, living penniless in he Netherlands' Utrecht. Sergio is played by Mario Casas in what many critics hail as one of the finest performances of his career which won him best actor at March's Málaga. 'The Best Mother in the World,' (Anna Muylaert, Brazil, Argentina) A Sundance, Berlin winner sold worldwide by The Match Factory, Muylaert's 'The Second Mother' nailed the class gulf in Brazil. A Berlinale Special, Muylaert's latest focuses on one woman's determined reaction to domestic abuse Muylaert's hallmark mix of social point and sentiment, as Variety notes. Biônica Filmes, Argentina's Telefilms, and Galeria Distribuidora produce. 'Bitter Gold,' ('Oro amargo,' Juan Olea, Chile, Mexico, Uruguay, Germany) Shot in Northern Chile by Sergio Armstrong ('Neruda'), an adolescent (Katalina Sanchez) takes over her father's mine, treads a tense path to empowerment. Lead produced by Chile's Juntos Films ('Immersion') in a powerful five-way production, and Olea's second feature after 2014's 'El Cordero.' 'The Blue Trail,' ('O último azul,' Gabriel Mascaró, Brazil, Mexico, Netherlands, Chile) The latest from the first Brazilian filmmaker to really hit the international radar one generation on from its 'big four' of Salles, Meirelles, Aïnouz and Kleber Mendonça, thanks to a Berlin Special Jury Prize for 'The Blue Trail' just weeks before Salles' Oscar. Sensual, packing some extraordinary visuals, a protest film anticipating state-run segregation of the old. 'The Cottage,' ('La Quinta,' Silvina Schnicer, Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Spain) A horror-tinged family thriller which marks Schnicer's first solo outing after co-directing Guadalajara best picture and San Sebastian New Directors Award-winner 'Carajita.' 'This story explores the duality of human nature from an unconventional perspective: kids,' have said its sales agents, Luis Collar and Yeniffer Fasciani at Feel Sales. 'Cuerpo celeste,' (Nayra Ilic García, Chile, Italy) Produced by Chile's Oro Films ('To Kill the Beast') and Italy's Dispàrte, which caught attention with Maura Delpero's 'Maternal,' here joining Hormágica. Ilic's second feature after 'Square Meter,' it turns on a 16-year-old girl cut adrift after the death of her father who clings to hope for a new beginning with her mother. 'Deaf,' ('Sorda,' Eva Libertad, Spain) One of this year's Berlin – and most probably Guadalajara's – standouts, a Berlinale Panorama Audience Award winner which has sold fulsomely for Latido Films to Australia (Madman), Japan (New Select), France Condor Distribution. Germany (Piffl Medien), Italy (Lucky Red) and the U.K. (Curzon). Libertad's first feature turns on a pregnant deaf woman's fears about motherhood. 'Dreaming of Lions,' ('Sonhar com Leões,' Paolo Marinou-Blanco, Portugal, Brazil, Spain) Word premiering at Tallinn's Black Nights Film Festival where it opened its 2024 Critics' Pick Competition, a black tragicomedy on euthanasia from Greek-Portuguese writer-director Marinou-Blanco ('Empty Hands,' 'Goodnight Irene'). Brazil's Denise Fraga ('The Other End') plays Gilda, terminally ill, who discovers a corporation who could help her die with dignity. 'Martina's Search,' ('A Procura de Martina,' Márcia Fária, Brazil, Argentina) A screenplay by Gabriela Amaral ('Friendly Beast') with Fária, a Palme d'Or nominee for short 'Estaçao'; a Mar del Plata 2024 best Latin America film win; and Mercedes Morán, playing Martina. 67, suffering Alzheimer's, who learns her grandson, born in captivity under Argentina's Junta, could be in Brazil. Her search becomes a multi-edged battle against time, forgetting and oblivion. 'This Island,' ('Esta isla,' Lorraine Jones Molina, Cristián Carretero, Puerto Rico) Set for world premiere in the U.S. Narrative Competition of the Tribeca Film Festival, and picked up in April by Habanero Film Sales, the directors' feature debut described as a deeply personal and poignant portrait of the Puerto Rican experience. 'Tiger,' ('Tiguere,' José Maria Cabral, Dominican Republic) The latest from one of the Dominican Republic's most famed auteurs, Cabral, whose 'Woodpeckers' played Sundance. Here he depicts the country's prevalent machismo via a boot camp where the protagonist's father teaches young Dominicans to behave like right royal bastards, the establishment's male M.O. 'The Wild Years,' ('Los años salvajes,' Andrés Nazarala, Chile) The second feature from writer-director Nazarela ('Debut'). Ricky Palace, the forgotten black sheep of Chile's '60s New Wave in now trouble decades later when the bar where he plays in Valparaíso is closed. Produced by Chile's Oro Films, a supporter of up-and-coming talent from Chile or beyond. Best of Variety 25 Hollywood Legends Who Deserve an Honorary Oscar New Movies Out Now in Theaters: What to See This Week Emmy Predictions: Animated Program — Can Netflix Score Big With 'Arcane,' 'Devil May Cry' and the Final Season of 'Big Mouth?'
