Founded by Pas Lazarus, Juan Pablo Felix and Edson Sydney, Madrid-based Amore Cine has joined Chilean Valeria Hoffman’s debut, Demon, who launched last year’s Machina in Sundance 2023 and won the short “Alien 0089” Best Director at Sundance 2023.
“Would you like to print your boyfriend in a world where you can print your DNA at home?” The drama lives on the same theme of digital intimacy, sadness and transformation that Hoffman explored in her shorts.
It follows Liz, a lonely content moderator who line up in the Chilean coastal town of Valparaiso and finds unexpected intimacy in his virtual lover. But the obsession takes root when she learns that he is not just a code, but that his consciousness trapped in a computer is trapped. When reality and simulation begin to crumble with each other, Liz is consumed by using bloody bioprinters to construct physical forms, even when it means putting her humanity at risk.
The project won first place in Spanish ICAA Selective Grants, surpassing over 400 submissions, solidifying its position as one of the more promising Latin American and European co-productions in development.
With ICAA production subsidies secured, “Dæmon” is returning to San Sebastian’s industry platform this year and is aiming to start principal photography in 2026. Producers are actively seeking additional international partners.
“This project brings together everything we believe in. There’s a director with an urgent and singular voice that leaves everyone on the edge of the cinema seat, a genre film that takes the stakes to a whole new level, a creative and strategic collaboration between Amore and Maquina, who are already foresight and fun. In an already extremely talented and competitive pool of Spanish filmmakers.”
“From the beginning, ‘Demon’ captivated us by Valeria Hoffman’s bold, personal female gaze invaded the genre films. It was really exciting to support such ambitional debut with this incredible producer. Basinan.
She added: “I am particularly excited to seal this co-production with Amore and join forces with Pas Lazarus. I deeply admire Pas Lazarus’ vision and talent. For me, this journey is not only about changing the story, but also about imagining how to imagine a woman leading the future of cinema.”
Launched in San Sebastian last year, Machina brings together its respective partner companies, Horamagica, Deptford Films and Planta Producers, to pool resources and strengthen Chile’s position in the international co-production arena.
Founded in Madrid in 2023, Amore Cine is known for its strong focus on Ibero-Americans. That early production has already received great acclaim, including the “message” by Iván Fund, who took Silver Bear’s Juju Award at this year’s Berlin Le.
Valeria Hoffman
