Chile’s cinematic rise: A spotlight on Venice Production Bridge 2025
A new chapter for Chilean cinema
In a remarkable turn of events, Chile has been named the Focus Country for the Venice Production Bridge in 2025. This announcement, made by Carolina Arredondo, Chile’s Minister of Culture, Arts, and Heritage, coincides with the world premiere of Pablo Larraín’s “María,” starring Angelina Jolie as the legendary opera singer Maria Callas, at the Venice Film Festival.
Arredondo emphasized the significance of this achievement, stating, ”This is a significant achievement for our creators, who have found in Venice a crucial platform to internationalize their projects. Being the Focus Country will allow us to strengthen Chile’s audiovisual industry and attract new opportunities for co-production and global promotion.”
A decade of cinematic excellence
Chile’s recognition comes after more than a decade of impressive achievements in the international film arena. Since Pablo Larraín’s 2012 film “NO,” starring Gael García Bernal, Chilean cinema has consistently punched above its weight. The country boasts an impressive Academy Award tally with two wins and seven nominations since 2012, the best record of any South American nation.
Celebrating diverse talents
While Larraín’s “El Conde” won best screenplay at Venice last year, the festival’s prize count since 2021 highlights the depth of Chilean talent beyond the well-known names like Pablo Larraín, Sebastián Lelio, and Maite Alberdi. Emerging talents have also made their mark. Tana Gilbert’s “Malqueridas” won three awards in Venice Critics’ Week last year, and Fernando Guzzoni’s “Blanquita” nabbed the screenplay award in Venice Horizons. Additionally, León & Cociña’s “Los Huesos” won the best short film award in 2021, and Theo Court’s “White on White” took home the best director award at Venice Horizons in 2019.
The power of international co-production
Despite being a relatively small country with a domestic market grossing $127.3 million at the box office in 2023, Chile has long embraced international co-production. This approach has become the production model of choice, allowing Chilean films to reach a global audience.
“María,” produced by Juan de Dios Larraín, Lorenzo Mieli, and Jonas Dornbach for Italy’s The Apartment, a Fremantle Company, along with Larraín’s label Fabula, Germany’s Komplizen, and Fremantle, exemplifies this cinematic cooperation. Arredondo noted that it “clearly contributes to the global projection of Chilean cinema.”
A strong presence at Venice
Chile’s presence at the Venice Festival and Production Bridge extends beyond “María.” Argentinian Luis Ortega’s “Kill the Jockey,” starring Nahuel Perez Biscayart and Úrsula Corberó, and co-starring Chile’s Mariana di Girolamo, is another highlight.
Persistent international co-production ensures a significant presence at the Production Bridge. This year, for example, Theo Court will present the allegorical murder mystery “Three Dark Nights,” starring Alfredo Castro, from Chile’s Quijote Films. Additionally, Quijote Films will showcase “To Die on Your Feet” by María Paz González.
Seasoned Chilean production company 17 Films will attend with “Ugly Man,” directed by Italian Cosimo Gómez. Chilean filmmaker Stjepan Ostoic will unveil the Chilean desert-set “Dysphoria,” and Clara Films will present Chilean Shawn Garry’s gated-community-set ”Now They’re Coming For Us.”
Boosting the local economy and cultural tourism
Chile’s recognition as the Focus Country at the Venice Production Bridge 2025 not only increases the visibility of national cinema but also boosts the local economy. This recognition encourages investment and cultural tourism, aligning with a key objective of President Gabriel Boric’s government.
Explore the trailers
For those eager to dive into the world of Chilean cinema, here are some trailers to get you started:
- María
- NO
- El Conde
- Malqueridas
- Blanquita
- Los Huesos
- White on White
- Kill the Jockey
- Three Dark Nights
- To Die on Your Feet
- Ugly Man
- Dysphoria
- Now They’re Coming For Us
Chile’s journey in the world of cinema is a testament to the power of creativity, collaboration, and resilience. As the country prepares to take center stage at the Venice Production Bridge in 2025, the future looks bright for Chilean filmmakers and their stories.