A new wave of Latin American cinema: Exploring the latest projects
Introduction to the vibrant Latin American film scene
The Latin American film industry continues to captivate audiences worldwide with its unique storytelling and rich cultural narratives. Recently, Paz Lázaro of Amore Cine has joined forces with Sergio Castro San Martín for the production of “A Thousand Pieces” (“Mil pedazos”), currently being filmed in Chile. This collaboration marks another significant milestone in the ever-evolving landscape of Latin American cinema.
A thousand pieces: A road movie with emotional depth
“A Thousand Pieces” is a compelling road movie that follows the journey of Isabel (43) and Miguel (53) as they embark on a vacation with their only daughter, Emilia (9). Miguel is hopeful that this trip will mend the rift in his marriage, while Isabel sees no escape from their ongoing crisis. Emilia, excited about the adventure, captures the desert scenery with her Cybershot camera. However, their journey takes a tragic turn midway, altering their lives forever.
The film stars Daniel Muñoz as Miguel, Paola Giannini as Isabel, and Emilia Rodriguez as Emilia. The cast’s performances are expected to bring depth and authenticity to this emotionally charged narrative.
Behind the scenes: The production team
Amore Cine has joined forces with Argentina’s Bikini Films and Pan Contenidos, Spain’s Maluta Films, and Castro San Martín’s Chile-based company Latente Films, co-founded with Eduardo Pizarro. This international collaboration highlights the growing trend of cross-border partnerships in the film industry, which enriches the storytelling with diverse perspectives.
Victoria Lammers, known for her work on Oliver Stone’s “Snowden” and Asghar Farhadi’s “Everybody Knows,” is on board as the editor, ensuring that the film’s narrative is seamlessly woven together.
Sergio Castro San Martín’s next venture: “Il Cileno”
Following the completion of “A Thousand Pieces,” Sergio Castro San Martín is set to shoot his next film, “Il Cileno,” in Turin, Italy. This film is a co-production between Chile’s Equeco, Italy’s Disparte, and Cinédokké of Switzerland.
Set in 1976 during a wave of mining protests, “Il Cileno” follows Aldo, a young Chilean militant skilled in explosives who is exiled from his home country. Forced to leave behind his family, Aldo struggles to make ends meet in Turin. His life takes a dramatic turn when he meets a doctor involved with anarchist groups, who offers him a chance to reunite with his family in Italy, but only if he agrees to return to his former trade – crafting bombs for revolutionary causes.
Castro San Martín’s cinematic journey
Since his directorial debut with “El Paseo” in 2009, Castro San Martín has penned and directed numerous films and TV shows. His most notable work includes the acclaimed limited series “La Jauria” for Fabula and Fremantle. His 2015 feature “The Mud Woman” (“La mujer de barro”) was screened at the Berlinale Panorama, where Paz Lázaro was a long-time programmer. Their professional relationship has now culminated in this exciting new collaboration.
Paz Lázaro’s contributions to the Venice Film Festival
Paz Lázaro, the former head of content and acquisitions for Exile Content Studio, is co-presenting two films at the Venice Film Festival: “Kill the Jockey” and “Quiet Life.”
“Kill the Jockey,” an absurdist comedy in competition for the Golden Lion, had its world premiere on August 29. The film, produced by Argentina’s Rei Pictures and Infinity Hill, reportedly received a five-minute standing ovation at the Venice Biennale. It is set to have its North American premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF).
“Quiet Life,” directed by Greek Weird Wave exponent Alexandros Avranas, also premiered on August 29 and competes in Venice’s Horizons sidebar. This film further showcases Lázaro’s keen eye for unique and compelling narratives.
Final thoughts
The collaboration between Paz Lázaro and Sergio Castro San Martín, along with the international co-productions, signifies a promising future for Latin American cinema. These films not only offer captivating stories but also reflect the diverse cultural and social landscapes of the region. As audiences, we can look forward to experiencing these rich narratives and the emotional journeys they promise to deliver.
For more information and to watch the trailers, visit the following links:
Stay tuned for more updates on these exciting projects and the ever-evolving world of cinema.