Madrid-based Latido Films has closed a number of territories for Colombian supernatural thriller The Awakening (El Despertar), which will have its world premiere at the Guadalajara Film Festival (FICG), joining Well Go in the US, Mediasoft in South Korea and 9th Plan in Poland.
Meridora Media acquired rights to the CIS region, which includes the Russian Federation, Ukraine, Georgia, and Armenia, while Superfine acquired rights to SAARC, which comprises eight South Asian countries including India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.
The feature was produced, written and directed by the late Jaime Osorio Marquez (The Squad), who passed away before he could fully complete the film. Co-creator and producer Federico Duran of Rhayuela Films and director José Luis Rugeles Gracia (Alias Maria, Rebellion) worked with the original creative team on the picture.
“With ‘Awakening’ we are able to recapture the magic of a great filmmaker like Jaime Osorio, the greatest creator of magic realist horror in Latin America. This film was curated by Colombia’s best directors, his friends who are responsible for his legacy. It is a great example of his vision for action, horror, fun and great direction. We are proud to be a part of this film and this adventure,” said Antonio Saura, Founder and Managing Director of Latido Films.
The story takes place deep in the Amazon, where an elite military unit is sent to eliminate a target. But their mission turns into a nightmare when they encounter Mobuya, a divine guardian spirit who unleashes ancient supernatural horrors. Centuries ago, in the same jungle, a band of Spanish conquistadors fell before the same ruthless forces. Separated by time but bound by fear, both groups fight for survival in an unknown world.
“The Awakening” Provided by Rayuela
The cast includes Claudio Catagno (One Hundred Years of Solitude) and Alejandro Buitrago (Narcos). Hector Sanchez, Andrea Olaya and Carlos Marinho round out the cast.
“‘The Awakening’ is a fascinating and deeply moving journey into the heart of darkness, not only about the story that unfolds on screen, but also about the story behind it, the story of the director who died before he could see it completed, and the incredible efforts to preserve and restore his vision and work,” said Duran.
Working closely with him on the film’s completion were production designer Oscar Navarro (The Squad, Alias Maria), writer/director Guillermo Escalona, and executive producers Jadar Rangel Henao and Ana María Tarazona.
“The Awakening” is one of a growing number of premium Latin fantasy horror pictures in Latido’s slate, which also includes “The Whisper,” directed by Gustavo Hernandez, the latest effort from the director of “Virus: 32” and “The Silent House.”
Rhayuela Films has just finished filming “Lovers Go Home!” In Montreal. A multinational co-production involving Rhayuela Films, El Sol Ermitaño (Colombia), Dublin Films (France), Potentenza Producciones (Spain) and Camera Oscura (Canada), it was shot in the Colombian cities of Medellin and Santa Marta last November and December.
“Lovers Go Home!” tells the story of a disabled military veteran who forms a deep virtual bond with a Colombian webcam worker that develops into emotional intimacy. When he goes to see her after she suddenly loses contact, the two are forced to face their shared reality.
FICG will be held from April 17th to 24th.
“Awakening”
