New horizons for ‘Zafari’: A dystopian tale from Mariana Rondón
A new chapter in dystopian cinema
Feelsales has secured the international sales rights to Mariana Rondón‘s latest film, Zafari, just in time for its world premiere at the San Sebastian Festival on September 22. This marks a significant milestone for the Venezuelan-born filmmaker, who previously won the Golden Seashell at San Sebastian for her 2013 drama, Bad Hair (Bad Hair).
A world without water
Set in a dystopian world where water, food, and hope are scarce, Zafari tells the story of a hippopotamus arriving at the Caracas zoo, igniting a conflict between two neighbors, Edgar and Ali, both 40 years old. The struggle over the care of the animal and the community pool in their residential building becomes a microcosm of their broader societal issues. As resources dwindle and the heat becomes unbearable, Edgar’s wife, Ana, seeks solutions to their harsh daily life, ultimately realizing that embracing the wild world is her only escape from a futureless reality.
A broader view of Latin America
“We describe it as dystopian because, although it seems to refer to Venezuela, we aim to provide a broader view of Latin America today,” said Rondón. This perspective is crucial, as it allows the film to resonate with a wider audience, reflecting the struggles and resilience of people across the continent.
A team driven by passion
“Feelsales won us over with their enthusiasm for the film and the fact that it’s mostly comprised of women,” said Rondón and Marité Ugás, founding partner of Sudaca Films. This collaboration marks a significant step for Feelsales, which has traditionally focused on documentary features and short films. In 2022, the company expanded its catalog to include fiction feature films, particularly those with high commercial potential and the ability to connect with broad audiences worldwide.
A multinational production
Zafari is primarily a Peruvian production via Sudaca Films, with six other countries on board. These include Paloma Negra Films of Mexico, Klaxon Cultura Audiovisual (Brazil), Still Moving (France), Quijote Films (Chile) as producers, while Selene Films (Dominican Republic) and Artefactos SF (Venezuela) are co-producers. The drama was filmed mainly in the Dominican Republic, with interiors shot in Peru, according to Ugás.
A dynamic duo
Rondón and Ugás are both directors and screenwriters who tend to alternate the role of producer in each other’s projects. Their filmography includes Contactado (Contactado) (2020), Bad Hair (Bad Hair) (2013), El Chico que Miente (El Chico que Miente) (2011), Postales de Leningrado (Postales de Leningrado) (2007), and A la Media Noche y Media (A la Media Noche y Media) (2000).
Expanding horizons
In addition to its venture into fiction filmmaking, Feelsales has broadened its scope by providing distribution services at film festivals and incorporating projects in development, including television series. It forms part of The Circular Group, a consortium that brings together companies in production, distribution, and talent management. Its presence in key film and TV markets establishes it as a comprehensive agency attuned to the industry’s evolving needs.
Final thoughts
Zafari promises to be a compelling addition to the world of dystopian cinema, offering a unique perspective on the challenges faced by Latin America today. With a passionate team behind it and a story that resonates on multiple levels, this film is poised to make a significant impact at the San Sebastian Festival and beyond. For those eager to dive deeper into the world of Zafari, the trailer is available for viewing here.