Mexican drama thriller “On The Road” was directed by David Pablos and produced by Inna Payán and “Andor” star Diego Luna, ensuring distribution across multiple territories.
The film premiered in the Horizons section in Venice, won Best Film and Queer Laion Horizons Awards, and was acquired by Filmware (Taiwan), Festival Film (Spain), and SalzGeber (Germany). All contracts include a theatrical release. Global sales are processed by M-Appeal.
Negotiations are also underway in several other regions, including North America, but I think the Italian photo had already secured the title before Venice’s debut. Additionally, the film will soon premiere at the Warsaw and Morelia festivals and is reserved for several other film events.
“On the Road” combines soft love story and thriller structures to provide a variety of layers that expand its appeal. The filming captures both the vast landscape and the real world of Mexican long-distance truck drivers.
“On The Road” follows Veneno, a rebellious young castaway who frequently visits roadside diners who sleep with truck drivers. Desperate for the ride, he meets Muneko, a hard-edged driver who stays with himself. Convincing him to take him, Veneno is drawn into the world of hypermasculine, a long-distance trucking in northern Mexico. As the journey progresses and unexpected intimacy develops between them, Veneno’s past resurfaces threaten their lives.
The film stars unprofessional actors Victor Miguel Prieto and Ozvaldo Sanchez (“Pedro Paramo”).
Filmware’s recent acquisitions include “It Was Just an Accident” by Jafar Panahi (Cannes Winner), “Enzo” by Laurent Cantet and Robin Campillo, “Kokuho” by Lee Sang-Il, “The Useful Ghost” by Ratchapoom Boonbunchachoke, and “The Remaining ‘Love’ by Hlynur Pálmason.
Commenting on the company’s latest addition, Jeffrey Chen, managing director of film products, said, “On the Road is a powerful, emotional and visually impressive film, a heartfelt journey that resonates deeply with Taiwanese audiences through unforgettable storytelling by David Pablos. ”
Festival Film, a leading Spanish distributor specializing in high quality, independent, auer-led cinemas, has added “On the Road” to its lineup, including “Mongol.”
“We are truly proud to work with M-Appeal World Sales to bring “Road” (En El Camino) by David Pablos to Spanish audiences. The film’s poetic storytelling and emotional depth are perfectly in line with the vision of presenting bold, authentic voices in modern cinemas.”
In Germany, SalzGeber continues its tradition of releasing films theatrical and defending its distinctive auther cinema. The 2025 acquisitions of the distributor include Laurent Cantet’s “Enzo” and Robin Campillou, Anna Cazeneve Canbet’s “Love Me Tender”, Lucio Castro’s “Drunk Noodles”, Peter Fujar’s Day, Peter Hojar’s Day, Ira Sax’s “Night Stage” and “Dream Leolon” and “Dream” and “Dream” and “Dream”. Gharoro-Akpojotor.
Salzgeber CEO Björn Koll commented:
Pablos’ credits include “41 Dances” and “Chooses,” as well as the first four episodes of the Amazon Western series, “The Head of Joaquín Murrieta.” “The Chosen Ones” was screened at major international festivals, including Cannes (a certain respect) and San Sebastian (Horizontes Latinos), and received a Goya nomination for Best Ibero-American Film.
Payán’s previous works include “The Golden Dream” (“La Jaula de Oro”). This is the recipient of 81 international awards, including the UN Specific Talent Award at Cannes 2013. Other credits include “La Libletad Del Diablo,” which premiered in Berlin in 2017, and the family drama “Los Lobos,” at Beinalaale 2020.
“On the Road” is produced by Payán’s Animal de Luz in collaboration with La Corriente del Golfo (led by Luna and Gael García Bernal), Maestros Cine, EFD Studios, Terminal Film and Producer Año Bisiesto. The film was supported by the Mexican efficine tax incentives and CNC.
