A new cinematic journey: ‘Tropical Malaise’ set to captivate audiences
A promising collaboration
In an exciting development for cinema enthusiasts, Still Moving from France has teamed up with Switzerland’s GoldenEggProduction to co-produce the highly anticipated drama, Tropical Malaise. Directed by the talented Jorge Cadena, whose short film Flores del otro patio earned a Special Jury Award at the 2023 SXSW Film Festival, this project is set to make waves in the film industry.
A spotlight at San Sebastian
Tropical Malaise is one of the 14 projects featured at the 2024 Europe-Latin America Co-Production Forum in San Sebastian. This platform is known for showcasing groundbreaking films that bridge cultural and geographical divides, and Tropical Malaise is no exception.
The production team
Produced by Gabriela Bussmann and Yan Decoppet of Geneva-based GoldenEggProduction, the film is currently in the financing stage, with plans to begin shooting in early 2026. The screenplay is a collaborative effort, with contributions from Jacques Toulemonde, co-writer of the Oscar-nominated El abrazo de la serpiente, and director of Netflix’s Historia de un Crimen – Mauricio Leal. Jorge Cadena, along with Juana del Río (Goles en contra) and Li Aparicio Candama, co-writer of Flores del otro patio, also bring their unique perspectives to the script.
A narrative rooted in reality
Tropical Malaise delves deep into contemporary Colombian society, addressing pressing social, political, environmental, and gender (LGBTQIA+) issues. The story follows a group of queer activists who join forces with indigenous communities near Colombia’s largest open-cast coal mine. Together, they embark on a vibrant and determined struggle to defend their right to exist and protect their land from environmental degradation and cultural loss.
A familiar cast
The film features actors from Jorge Cadena’s acclaimed short Flores del otro patio, including León David Salazar, Eudes Rosado, Rubén Barrios Rodríguez, Saray Nohemi Rebolledo Ospino, and Andru Suárez Rojas. Their performances are expected to bring depth and authenticity to the narrative.
A unique visual language
Producers Bussmann and Decoppet highlight Jorge Cadena’s distinctive visual style, which is enriched by the vibrant Caribbean landscapes and extravagant, popular culture-inspired costumes. This, combined with the film’s contagious activism, promises a work that resonates on a universal and contemporary scale, transcending Colombian borders.
Development and support
Tropical Malaise has already secured development funds from Media Desk Switzerland, a testament to its potential and the confidence in its creative team.
GoldenEggProduction’s vision
Since its inception in 2012, GoldenEggProduction has been committed to collaborating with filmmakers who offer unique perspectives on contemporary society. Their recent titles include Maxime Rappaz’s Laissez-moi (Let Me Go), which opened at Cannes’ ACID, and EFA nominees Flores del otro patio and Putin’s Witnesses by Vitaly Mansky.
Still Moving’s impressive portfolio
Founded by Juliette Lepoutre and Pierre Menahem, Paris-based Still Moving has an impressive track record. Their titles include Tiger Stripes, a Grand Prix winner at the 2023 Cannes Critics Week; Rule34, a Locarno Golden Leopard winner in 2022; and Mediterranean Fever, which won best script at Cannes’ 2022 Un Certain Regard.
A personal reflection
As a cinema enthusiast, the collaboration between Still Moving and GoldenEggProduction for Tropical Malaise is particularly exciting. The film’s exploration of contemporary societal issues through the lens of queer activists and indigenous communities promises a narrative that is both powerful and poignant. The involvement of a talented cast and crew, combined with Jorge Cadena’s unique visual style, suggests that Tropical Malaise will be a cinematic experience that resonates deeply with audiences.
For those eager to learn more about the film, you can watch the trailer and find additional information on the Tropical Malaise page.
Stay tuned for more updates on this promising project, and prepare to be captivated by a story that transcends borders and speaks to universal themes of identity, activism, and resilience.