Italian
Upstart production house Catalyst Studios will digitally release its first feature, Colombian auteur Ana Maria Hermida’s all-star-laden magical realist drama “Alix,” on Dec. 25.
A U.S. theatrical premiere for “Alix” will be held at the historic TCL Chinese Theater on Dec. 5, with Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, the founder of the Art of Living, introducing the film.
The film’s imminent release kicks off Catalyst’s ambitious film slate, which includes six features directed, produced by and centered on female protagonists.
Written and directed by Hermida, whose 2013 short “The Firefly” was nominated for a Colombian Academy Macondo Award, “Alix” is set against the backdrop of the lush Colombian jungle and tells a story that intertwines the lives of Conejo (Roberto Urbina; “Narcos”), a battle-weary cynical soldier and Alix, a 12-year-old who is unwittingly enlisted to serve as a child soldier. The titular protagonist is played by young up-and-comer Cristal Aparicio (“Sound of Freedom”).
Featuring touches of magical realism, “Alix” examines the complex relationship between captor and captive. The story is delivered from Alix’s perspective, which is tainted by the innocence, resilience and optimism of youth.
Popular on Variety Joining Aparicio and Urbina in the film’s main cast are Natalia Reyes (“Terminator: Dark Fate”), Carlos Bardem (“Assassin’s Creed”) and Carolina Guerra (“Animal Kingdom”). Principal photography has begun in the jungles of Rio Claro, Colombia.
Written and directed by Hermida, “Alix” is produced by Lemore Syvan, along with Catalyst Studios’ Holly Levow, Paul Kampf and Mark Pennell. Colombian production services were provided by Imaginer Films. Panorama Motion Pictures is handling distribution.
On Dec. 25, “Alix” will be made available on multiple digital retail platforms, including Google, Amazon, iTunes and Apple TV.
