FilmSharks has taken world sales rights outside Spain to “The Bus of Life,” next up from Arcadia Motion Pictures, producer of Rodrigo Sorogoyen’s Cesar and Goya winner “The Beasts” and Neon U.S. pick-up “Robot Dreams,” nominated last month for a best animated feature Academy Award.
The production and sales company has also revealed first look art work on the film, currently in post and set for delivery in 2024.
Directed by Ibón Cormenzana, producer of both “The Beasts” and Robot “Dreams,” “The Bus of Life” turns on Andrés, a music teacher diagnosed with cancer who seeks treatment at a hospital in the city.
His travels there on a singular, dilapidated bus accompanied by other cancer patients. It soon becomes an extraordinary experience, giving him new friends and a far more joyous understanding of life.He also learns to conquer his fears, such as the stage fright which has frustrated a budding career as a musician.
Andrés is played by Dani Rovira, who toplined 2014’s “Spanish Affair,” the highest-grossing Spanish film ever in Spain, and Susana Abaitua, star of Netflix hit “Crazy about Her” and Spanish Prime Video banner series “Los Farad.” “The Bus of Life” also features Elena Irureta (“Patria”).
“There’s a kind of quality, life affirming cinematic tear-jerker which can translate to global markets and touch buyers’ sweet spot when it comes to remake deals in key territories such as the U.S., France, Italy, Korea, Japan and Mexico, among others,” said FilmSharks’ Guido Rud, who describes “The Bus of Life” as an “inspirational” dramatic comedy.”
The bus is inspired by the real-life experiences of a Basque relative of Cormenzana’s.
