From a new Alfredo Castro movie to fresh titles by “Case 63” writer Julio Rojas and “A Fantastic Woman” scribe Gonzalo Maza— plus the debut of Cannes Cinéfondation winner Diego Céspedes — here are titles from seven Chilean production companies whose presence at Cannes is backed by Chile’s ministry of culture.
“Bitter Gold,” (“Oro Amargo,” Juan Olea)
In a defunct North Chilean mining community, a teenage girl battles patriarchal forces to save her family’s business in this empowering neo-West- ern. Lead-produced by Juntos Films in co-production with La Santé (Chile), Whisky Content (México). Intl. Sales: Patra Spanou Films.
“Después de Elena” (Shawn Garry)
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Alfredo Castro stars in a dark comedy as widower Roberto, who seeks solace but faces family dysfunction and lies. Produced by Gabriela Sandoval at Cine Matriz, Magma Cine and Zoe Films.
“Epílogo para un otoño,” (David Belmar)
This Lucho Films drama fol- lows 85-year-old Gabriel, who feels deathlooming. He fails in his attempt to reconcile with his daughter but finds solace alongside agroupofyoungan- archists. Currently financing.
“The Evil That Binds Us” (“Todos los males,” Nicolás Postiglione)
Thriller from Oro Films set in 1950s Valdivia, where Daniel, who has lost his mother, bonds with Ema, uncovering his family’s secrets. Betrayed, he seeks revenge before leaving. Co- produced by Whisky (Mexico). In post-production.
“Expediente Letelier” (Rafael Valdeavellano, Nicolás Acuña)
A true crime series from Ventana Cine penned by Julio Rojas (“Case 63”), “Expediente Letelier” delves into the 1976 terrorist attack near the White House that killed Pinochet op- ponent and refugee Orlando Letelier, uncovering the role of Chile’s notorious intelligence service, DINA.
“Horizonte,” (César Acevedo)
Deceased former criminal Basilio and his mother, Inés, journey through war-torn lands as he confronts his past. With Inés watching in- tently, they find life’s value amidst despair. Drama is from Quijote Films and produced with Colombia’s Inercia Películas alongside Ciné Sud Promotion (France), Una Film (Germany) and Tarantula (Luxemburg).
“Don’t Want to Say Goodbye,” (No Quiero Decir Adiós, Carola Fuentes)
In this miniseries, an elite high school student takes her life at a Starbucks, leaving a let- ter with cyberbullying clues. What led to her suicide? Written by Gonzalo Maza (“A Fantastic Woman”).
“Jorge,” (Nicolás Pavie)
In development at Storyboard Media, this documentary centers on Jorge González, key figure in Chilean and Latin American music. He led band Los Prisioneros with anthems against Chilean dic- tator Augusto Pinochet until a stroke in 2015 nearly ended his life. Now, his remarkable comeback is documented.
“Maybe It’s True What They Say about Us,” (Quizás es cierto lo que dicen de nosotras, Sofía Gómez, Camilo Becerra)
Thriller sees psychiatrist Ximena’s daughter Tamara returning transformed from a retreat while her baby van- ishes within a sect, sparking an investigation. Produced by Storyboard Media, La Jauría (Chile), Argentina’s Murillo Cine and Morocha Film and B-Mount (Spain).
“The Mysterious Gaze of the Flamingo,” (Diego Céspedes)
In a mining town in northern Chile in 1982, men are dying from a mysterious illness ru- mored tobe transmitted when a man falls in love with another man, solely through their gaze. A Quijote Films (Chile) and Les Valseurs (France) production with Weymann Bros. (Germany), Wrong Man (Belgium) and Irusoin (Spain). Sales: N/A
“Otra piel,” (Patricia Correa)
Doc centers on Miguel, a taxi- dermist and expert hunter in Chile, prompting reflection on our relationships with other species. Sales: Doc:Co
“Tempanos,” (Gabriel Montiel)
Depressed anthropolo- gist Julia accompanies the last Selk’nam descendant, Adelaida, to a resettlement area. Initially distant, they form a strong bond. Project won at BioBioCine Industria, participated in Ventana Sur and Malaga Talent.
“The Wild Years,” (Andrés Nazarala)
Valparaíso’s Cochran bar closure forces rocker Ricky Palace to decide whether to settle in Southern Chile or fight for his stolen hit song. In post.
