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An animated journey to the heart of the Earth: ‘Gravityland’
In the dynamic world of animation, few projects hold as much promise as Gravityland. This ambitious 2D animated feature, driven by the collaborative energy of Spain’s Mil Monos Cine and Argentina’s Cosmic Brew Studios, is set to make waves at this year’s Animation! sidebar at Ventana Sur.
A compelling storyline that captivates
At the heart of Gravityland lies a riveting narrative. The film follows the journey of a speleologist—an expert who studies caves—who mysteriously disappears while investigating anomalies in Earth’s gravitational field. As the planet’s gravity reverses, her children set out on an extraordinary quest, climbing into the Earth’s depths to find her. With Earth quite literally turned upside down, the bold idea that “one must jump into the void to reach the stars” sets the stage for an unforgettable adventure.
Pablo Agüero: A master of cinematic storytelling
Guiding this groundbreaking project is Pablo Agüero, a filmmaker renowned for his versatility across multiple genres and mediums. Agüero first gained significant recognition with his 2006 short film Primera nieve, which clinched the jury prize for best short film at Cannes. This was followed by the critically acclaimed feature Salamandra in 2008, also showcased at Cannes.
Agüero’s recent works further underline his prowess. The 2020 film Coven received nine nominations at the Spanish Academy Goya Awards, winning five. His latest endeavor, Saint-Exupéry, features stellar performances from Vincent Cassel, Louis Garrel, and Diane Kruger.
A team of creative visionaries
The screenplay for Gravityland is co-written by Nicolás Britos, who brings a wealth of experience from the realm of live-action films. Britos’ background includes co-writing the 2020 Annecy Contrechamp feature Lava. He joins forces with producers Sol Cifuentes (Diablo Viejo, Wixi Against the Binary Lens) and Maximiliano Monzon (La Vagancia, Diablo Viejo), ensuring a robust foundation for the film’s production.
Britos remarks, “With Agüero’s unique visual style applied for the first time to animation, Gravityland is not only an exploration of impossible worlds but also a chance to bring to life deeply human characters struggling to find their place in a changing world.”
A visual masterpiece in the making
In an exciting development, talks are ongoing to enlist an A-list European comic book artist to help shape the visual universe of Gravityland. This collaboration promises to fuse Agüero’s visionary storytelling with striking graphic artistry, creating a visually stunning experience for audiences.
Mil Monos and Cosmic Brew: Powerhouses of innovation
Mil Monos Cine, based in Barcelona, is a hub for innovative film, TV, and transmedia projects. Known for their ambitious ideas, the studio has several notable projects in development, including Decibel, a dystopian coming-of-age series led by Agüero, set for the Berlinale’s Co-Pro Series market. Another standout is The Numbered Days, a project selected for the Berlinale Talent Project Market. Mil Monos also enjoyed success with their animated short Wixi Against the Binary Lens, which was featured at Annecy.
On the other side of the globe, Cosmic Brew Studios out of Buenos Aires is an indie powerhouse with expertise in VR, AR, video games, and CG animation. The studio’s portfolio includes numerous commissioned animated shorts for global corporations, showcasing their versatility and creative prowess.
The future of ‘Gravityland’
As Gravityland gears up to make its grand pitch at Ventana Sur, industry insiders are buzzing with anticipation. The film’s unique blend of fantastical storytelling, stellar direction, and groundbreaking animation positions it as a potential game-changer in the world of animated features.
Prepare to be enthralled as Gravityland invites you on a journey through the very core of our planet, blending heart-pounding adventure with profound emotional depth. The film exemplifies the power of animation to not only illustrate the impossible but also to explore our most human experiences.
Share this article with fellow enthusiasts and stay tuned for more thrilling updates on the world of animation and beyond! ✨
