UPDATE: In a significant development for international cinema, Spain’s Bendita Film Sales has just announced major distribution deals with Outsider Pictures in the US and A-Z Films in Canada for three feature films from the 2024 Ventana Sur package. These films, which premiered at esteemed festivals this year, are set to make waves across North America.
The deals were confirmed following the films’ participation in various segments of the Ventana Sur 2024 festival held in Montevideo, where they garnered critical acclaim and awards. Luis Renart, representative of Bendita, expressed excitement, stating, “With these deals, we feel we are closing a circle that began here at Ventana Sur one year ago. When we presented two of these films, they received key awards.”
One standout film, directed by Álvaro Olmos Torrico, secured the Cine+ Award at Ventana Sur 2024 in the Copia Final strand. It premiered in TIFF’s Centrepiece program this year, followed by successful screenings at Biarritz and FIC Cali, where it won both best feature and best international film. This film, produced by Empatía Cine and Maravilla Cine, dives deep into the complexities of a mother-daughter relationship against the backdrop of rural depopulation in the Andes.
Another acclaimed film, created by actress-turned-filmmaker Mayra Hermosillo, debuted at Venice’s Giornate degli Autori and won the Best Screenplay for Authors Under 40 Award. This gripping narrative set in late-1980s Mexico explores multiple generations of women grappling with love and adversity, earning praise from filmmaker Guillermo Del Toro. It also received accolades at Ventana Sur 2024 and Ciné Latino Toulouse.
The third feature, marking the second fiction project by Avelina Prat, reflects on identity and personal reinvention. It stars renowned actors Maria de Medeiros and Manolo Solo, having premiered at the Málaga Festival and co-produced by Distinto Films and Jaibo Films.
Paul Hudson of Outsider Pictures expressed enthusiasm about the films’ journey, saying, “I first saw these films in Primer Corte at Ventana Sur last year and it’s been great to see them grow from there to Venice and TIFF. This is the sleeper surprise of the year.”
These deals not only spotlight the rising talent in Latin American cinema but also signify a growing interest in diverse narratives in North America. As these films prepare for release, industry watchers are keenly anticipating their impact on audiences and the broader film landscape.
WHAT’S NEXT: With distribution now secured, film enthusiasts and industry insiders alike are eager to see how these compelling stories will resonate with North American audiences. The momentum from Ventana Sur is expected to fuel discussions around these films leading into their respective release dates.
Stay tuned for updates as these films make their way to theaters and streaming platforms across the US and Canada.
