Spanish film Factory Entertainment has featured the global rights to “Pray,” Daniel Monzon’s latest film, the Madrid-based costume behind Rodrigo Sorologien’s “Beast” and Pabloberger’s Oscar nominated Robot Dreams.
Headlines include Zoe Bonafonte (“The Goldsmith’s Secret”, “The 47”), Manuela Calle (“Marbella”), and the film stars Adelfa Calvo (“On the Fringe”, “God’s Crooked Lines”), Malena Gutiérrez (“The Witching”, “My All Allise”), and “My All Allis and”).
Reuniting Monzón with longtime co-writer Jorge Guerrica eche varría and inspired by real events, “Pray for Us” dramatically portrays one of Franco’s most silent chapters in Spain, Patronato de Protecciónala Mujer (Committee of Women’s Protection). Founded in 1941 and operated until 1985, the state support agency confined thousands of women and many single mothers in monasteries and boarding schools under the guise of moral “reform.” Historians estimate that around 40,000 women passed through them.
“We are delighted to be part of Daniel Monzon’s upcoming film. “Pray for us, prayer,” with international potential, and will leave a lasting impression on viewers around the world. ” said Vicente Canales, film factory director.
Set between 1974 and 1979, this story follows two young women from various social backgrounds who meet in one of such institutions. The rebellious 19-year-old Anna from Barcelona is sent by her wealthy father to the Patronato facility, which is overseen by her relentless sister Socolo. In the midst of tough circumstances, Anna forms a friendship tested by her deep bond with Saul, attempts to escape, retaliation and ultimate sacrifice.
“Praying for Us,” which was billed as a powerful human drama, is trying to induce remorse. “I am very interested in films that take viewers on a fierce emotional journey, and introduce them to an unknown universe and confront them with a moral dilemma that they never consider in their daily lives,” Monzon said.
A Spanish French co-produced with a noodle production, the film is released in Spain by Elastica, the top distributor of indie producers (“Alcalas”), from arthouses to the more upscale mainstream.
Variety described Monzon’s debut, “The Heart of the Warrior,” as “combining commercials with singularity with occasional burning effects.” His sophomore outing, “The biggest robber never spoke,” and only English turns “Kobakubox.” Alex De Laiglesia paved the way for the 2009 breakout smash “Cell 211.” Revealing a roughly funny but subtly political undercurrent, it grabbed eight goyas.
Monzon went on to continue with the star of Luis Tozard, the most dynamic action-ridden social issues thriller El Niño in Spanish cinema, before returning with Seacruise set caper Yucatan and 2021’s Laws of Borders, where he was adapted to Javie Sercas’ novels and chose Sans Sevian novels. Goya includes adapted scripts.
John Hopewell contributed to this article.
