Death has no master: a gripping thriller set in Venezuela

The Venezuela-set thriller Death Has No Master is making waves as it participates in TIFFCOM’s Tokyo Gap-Financing Market. Starring the talented Paz Vega and directed by Jorge Thielen Armand, the film looks to secure the final 30% of its $1.2 million budget. This unique film promises to delve into themes of displacement, corruption, and personal trauma, portrayed against the backdrop of contemporary Venezuela.

Plot and character dynamics

Paz Vega stars as Carolina, a woman returning to Venezuela after two decades to sell her family’s cacao plantation. However, this seemingly straightforward task quickly escalates into a dangerous power struggle. Former workers have occupied the land, forcing Carolina to confront not only the current occupants but also her past traumas, including an agonizing kidnapping ordeal. These conflicts awaken her deepest and violently suppressed impulses, making Death Has No Master a story rich in psychological tension and human complexity.

Shifting to Colombia: a strategic move

Originally set in Venezuela, the production has recently shifted its shooting location to Colombia. This decision reflects both practical considerations and an effort to capture the true essence of the story within a similar cultural milieu. This change has not altered the depth and gravity of the narrative, but instead, adds an additional layer of authenticity to the overall cinematic experience.

Continuing themes from previous works

Death Has No Master is Armand’s third feature film, following the critically acclaimed La Soledad and La Fortaleza. “My films are vehicles to investigate a broken identity – that of Venezuelans today,” notes Armand. The director’s commitment to unraveling the complexities of Venezuelan identity, marked by violence and displacement, stands as a cornerstone of his storytelling ethos. This particular film’s unique perspective, highlighting the haunting realities faced by Venezuelans, seeks to resonate deeply with audiences globally.

Exploring corruption and class struggle

Armand’s vision for Death Has No Master goes beyond personal storytelling. The director aims to highlight the systemic corruption and class struggles rampant in contemporary Venezuela. “Through the metaphor of a fight for a house, I would like us to reflect on how a corrupt legal system creates a vicious circle of violence,” Armand remarks. This sentiment is echoed in the film’s narrative, demonstrating how a broken system affects individuals and communities alike.

Production and distribution prospects

Producer Stefano Centini of Volos Films Italia emphasizes Armand’s distinct approach to South American themes. Centini, known for producing films with profound socio-cultural narratives, lauds Armand’s storytelling prowess and his ability to connect broader themes with everyday life scenarios. With filming scheduled for mid-2025, the team eyeing a 2026 festival premiere, the producers are actively working to secure the remaining funding and exploring distribution opportunities.

Centini points to potential co-production opportunities arising from a recent treaty between Japan and Italy. His previous experience with Taiwan as a partner in last-mile funding and creative contributions bodes well for similar collaborations in this project. “We are hoping once again Asia can be a new unexpected partner in this journey,” says Centini, reflecting the global interest in the film.

Beyond Death has no master: future projects

Armand isn’t just resting on the laurels of his current project. He’s actively developing two additional features: an English-language film set in Canada and an Italy-Venezuela co-production with Centini. Additionally, the duo is also completing a short film titled Pasta Negra, set for release next year. These projects aim to further explore and articulate the director’s distinctive voice in international cinema.

Engaging with broader themes

Armand’s vision for Death Has No Master invites audiences to engage in a deeper reflection on the issues of identity, displacement, and systemic corruption. His films serve as a powerful medium to convey the struggles and resilience of Venezuelans, against the backdrop of profound political and social challenges. It’s this nuanced approach that makes Armand’s work not just storytelling, but a critical commentary on the realities faced by millions.

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This comprehensive overview of Death Has No Master brings to light the power of film in exploring intricate personal and social narratives. Stay tuned for more updates and insights into the world of cinema.