After making its debut at last year’s Cannes Film Festival with Jean-Luc Godard’s last work and Pedro Almodóvar’s “Strange Way of Life,” Anthony Vaccarello’s Saint Laurent Productions has boarded Jacques Audiard’s “Emilia Perez” as a co-producer.
The musical thriller joins Saint Laurent Productions’ roster of prestige projects, including Oscar-winning director Paolo Sorrentino’s untitled next film and David Cronenberg’s “The Shrouds.”
“Emilia Perez” is a musical thriller boasting an international cast led by Karla Sofia Gascón, Zoe Saldana (“Avatar”), Selena Gomez (“Only Murders in the Building”), Edgar Ramirez (“Carlos”) and Adriana Paz. The movie is co-produced with French production company Why Not Productions and Page 114, together with Pathé and France 2 Cinema. Pathé has acquired French distribution rights and will release the movie in French theaters. The movie has been described by Audiard as an “opera libretto in four acts.”
The Palme d’Or...
The musical thriller joins Saint Laurent Productions’ roster of prestige projects, including Oscar-winning director Paolo Sorrentino’s untitled next film and David Cronenberg’s “The Shrouds.”
“Emilia Perez” is a musical thriller boasting an international cast led by Karla Sofia Gascón, Zoe Saldana (“Avatar”), Selena Gomez (“Only Murders in the Building”), Edgar Ramirez (“Carlos”) and Adriana Paz. The movie is co-produced with French production company Why Not Productions and Page 114, together with Pathé and France 2 Cinema. Pathé has acquired French distribution rights and will release the movie in French theaters. The movie has been described by Audiard as an “opera libretto in four acts.”
The Palme d’Or...
- 3/1/2024
- by Elsa Keslassy
- Variety Film + TV
Stars: Manolo Cardona, Dagoberto Gama, Adriana Paz, Fernando Becerril, Juan Carlos Remolina, Maribel Verdú, Carla Adell | Written by Gavo Amiel, Julieta Steinberg | Directed by Manolo Cardona
Death’s Roulette (Uno Para Morir) opens on a familiar note, a group of strangers wakes up to find they’ve been kidnapped and brought to an unknown but opulent location for an unknown reason by an unknown person.
In this case, it’s a cop named Simon. Armando who is a surgeon. There’s a stewardess named Teresa and Jose who is retired.
The only ones with an obvious connection are three members of a family, wealthy businessman Esteban, his wife Marta, and their daughter Lupe, a human rights lawyer.
Director Manolo Cardona (Rubirosa) and writers Gavo Amiel and Julieta Steinberg let things play out pretty much as we expect they will. Everyone introduces themselves, there’s speculation about why they’re here and...
Death’s Roulette (Uno Para Morir) opens on a familiar note, a group of strangers wakes up to find they’ve been kidnapped and brought to an unknown but opulent location for an unknown reason by an unknown person.
In this case, it’s a cop named Simon. Armando who is a surgeon. There’s a stewardess named Teresa and Jose who is retired.
The only ones with an obvious connection are three members of a family, wealthy businessman Esteban, his wife Marta, and their daughter Lupe, a human rights lawyer.
Director Manolo Cardona (Rubirosa) and writers Gavo Amiel and Julieta Steinberg let things play out pretty much as we expect they will. Everyone introduces themselves, there’s speculation about why they’re here and...
- 5/8/2023
- by Jim Morazzini
- Nerdly
Paramount+ has bowed the trailer and key art of Colombian actor-producer Manolo Cardona’s directorial debut, “Death’s Roulette” (“Uno para morir”) ahead of its May 5 launch. The Spanish-language suspense thriller will stream on Paramount+ in the U.S., Canada, U.K., Australia and Latin America. It will also be available to stream in Italy, France, Germany, Switzerland, Austria and South Korea.
Based on the original script “La Terminal” by Frank Ariza, “Death’s Roulette” is written by Julieta Steinberg, Gavo Amiel and Cardona. The story revolves around seven kidnapped strangers who wake up in an isolated mansion to find that they are part of a deadly game. They are given 60 minutes to select one person to die but he or she has to agree to be sacrificed. The grim alternative is for all of them to lose their lives. As the clock winds down, their darkest secrets are revealed...
Based on the original script “La Terminal” by Frank Ariza, “Death’s Roulette” is written by Julieta Steinberg, Gavo Amiel and Cardona. The story revolves around seven kidnapped strangers who wake up in an isolated mansion to find that they are part of a deadly game. They are given 60 minutes to select one person to die but he or she has to agree to be sacrificed. The grim alternative is for all of them to lose their lives. As the clock winds down, their darkest secrets are revealed...
- 4/18/2023
- by Anna Marie de la Fuente
- Variety Film + TV
Chupa is a Netflix movie directed by Jonás Cuarón starring Evan Whitten and Demian Bichir.
The chupacabra is a legend about an animal that feeds on the blood of goats. Coming all the way from Mexico, the story has become a classic horror story.
This time, Jonás Cuarón gives the story a more youthful twist and turns it into a heartwarming tale of friendship and adventure in the style of the 80’s and those charming and forgettable films that followed in the wake of E.T.
It’s fun to see Christian Slater again.
Chupa (2023) Movie Review
Chupa is a youth film created with all the 80’s machinations of these movies that, without inventing anything new at all, makes them work again to perfection demonstrating that the formula, although already very worn, still works with the passage of time.
One of those naive and charming movies that has its fascinating...
The chupacabra is a legend about an animal that feeds on the blood of goats. Coming all the way from Mexico, the story has become a classic horror story.
This time, Jonás Cuarón gives the story a more youthful twist and turns it into a heartwarming tale of friendship and adventure in the style of the 80’s and those charming and forgettable films that followed in the wake of E.T.
It’s fun to see Christian Slater again.
Chupa (2023) Movie Review
Chupa is a youth film created with all the 80’s machinations of these movies that, without inventing anything new at all, makes them work again to perfection demonstrating that the formula, although already very worn, still works with the passage of time.
One of those naive and charming movies that has its fascinating...
- 4/7/2023
- by Martin Cid
- Martin Cid Magazine - Movies
Director Jonás Cuarón reimagines the terrifying mythical beast as a cute and furry little creature in Netflix’s Chupa. The two-minute trailer for the family-friendly adventure confirms this incredibly adorable baby chupacabra looks nothing like a goat-killing, nightmare-inducing monster.
“I was a small kid when the legend started. When the idea came of turning [the myth] on its head and using it to tell a family adventure, I was immediately excited,” said Cuarón in an interview with Netflix’s Tudum. “I’ve always been a huge fan of E.T. and believe that stories like that are so powerful because they play on the idea of kids being misunderstood by adults. Chupa might be a monster but he’s the only one that truly understands what Alex is going through. The bond between a boy and a creature is so pure, like with a pet, it transcends language.”
Chupa stars Demián Bichir,...
“I was a small kid when the legend started. When the idea came of turning [the myth] on its head and using it to tell a family adventure, I was immediately excited,” said Cuarón in an interview with Netflix’s Tudum. “I’ve always been a huge fan of E.T. and believe that stories like that are so powerful because they play on the idea of kids being misunderstood by adults. Chupa might be a monster but he’s the only one that truly understands what Alex is going through. The bond between a boy and a creature is so pure, like with a pet, it transcends language.”
Chupa stars Demián Bichir,...
- 3/14/2023
- by Rebecca Murray
- Showbiz Junkies
"He'll be our little secret." Netflix has revealed the official trailer for an adventure movie titled Chupa, rated PG even tough it's only going to be streaming on Netflix for its release in April. This is the latest from Mexican director Jonás Cuarón, Alfonso Cuarón's son - his debut feature was Desierto from a few years ago. While visiting his family in Mexico, teenage Alex gains an unlikely companion when he discovers a young chupacabra hiding in his grandpa's shed. In order to save the mythical creature, Alex and his cousins must embark on the adventure of a lifetime. Directed by Jonás, and produced by 26th Street Pictures' Chris Columbus, Michael Barnathan and Mark Radcliffe, Chupa is a nostalgic journey through myth, memory, and the making of one's own personal legend. This stars Evan Whitten as Alex, along with Demián Bichir, Christian Slater, Ashley Ciarra, Nickolas Verdugo, Adriana Paz,...
- 3/14/2023
- by Alex Billington
- firstshowing.net
Evan Whitten as Alex in ‘Chupa’ (Photo Credit: Netflix © 2023)
Although Netflix’s family adventure Chupa is inspired by the legend of the chupacabra, director Jonás Cuarón was determined to make the creature at the heart of his film much less fearsome than the mythical creature. “Our goal was to create an incredibly cute creature based on a terrifying legend,” said Cuarón in an interview with Netflix’s Tudum. “The mythical creature was described as a hairless dog with wings and sharp teeth. Chupa is furry and incredibly cute.”
The first photos from Chupa confirm this creature, at least as a youngster, is anything but terrifying.
Cuarón added: “I’ve always been a huge fan of E.T. and believe that stories like that are so powerful because they play on the idea of kids being misunderstood by adults. Chupa might be a monster, but he’s the only one that truly...
Although Netflix’s family adventure Chupa is inspired by the legend of the chupacabra, director Jonás Cuarón was determined to make the creature at the heart of his film much less fearsome than the mythical creature. “Our goal was to create an incredibly cute creature based on a terrifying legend,” said Cuarón in an interview with Netflix’s Tudum. “The mythical creature was described as a hairless dog with wings and sharp teeth. Chupa is furry and incredibly cute.”
The first photos from Chupa confirm this creature, at least as a youngster, is anything but terrifying.
Cuarón added: “I’ve always been a huge fan of E.T. and believe that stories like that are so powerful because they play on the idea of kids being misunderstood by adults. Chupa might be a monster, but he’s the only one that truly...
- 3/1/2023
- by Rebecca Murray
- Showbiz Junkies
Mel McKeon and Laura Myones Ruf have been working side by side so long that it’s common they finish each other’s sentences. That comes in helpful, especially now, as the veteran talent managers have a lot to talk about.
It’s been a year since the two, who started working together in 1997 with Myones starting as McKeon’s assistant, rebranded their McKeon/Myones Entertainment to Afa Prime Talent, a transition that has signaled a new era for their management-production company.
Together, they have maintained a client roster of busy actors including Yvonne Strahovski (The Handmaid’s Tale), Sarah Shahi (Black Adam, Sex/Life), Alona Tal (Cross), Shioli Kutsuna (Deadpool 2, Invasion), Vivian Wu (Afterparty, Irma Vep), Michael Trucco (Average Joe), Thomas Barbusca (The Mick, Chad), Sean Patrick Thomas (Till, For All Mankind and The Boys spinoff Gen V), Missi Pyle (Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story, Y: The Last Man), Elaine Hendrix...
It’s been a year since the two, who started working together in 1997 with Myones starting as McKeon’s assistant, rebranded their McKeon/Myones Entertainment to Afa Prime Talent, a transition that has signaled a new era for their management-production company.
Together, they have maintained a client roster of busy actors including Yvonne Strahovski (The Handmaid’s Tale), Sarah Shahi (Black Adam, Sex/Life), Alona Tal (Cross), Shioli Kutsuna (Deadpool 2, Invasion), Vivian Wu (Afterparty, Irma Vep), Michael Trucco (Average Joe), Thomas Barbusca (The Mick, Chad), Sean Patrick Thomas (Till, For All Mankind and The Boys spinoff Gen V), Missi Pyle (Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story, Y: The Last Man), Elaine Hendrix...
- 1/18/2023
- by Chris Gardner
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Manolo Cardona, one of Colombia’s top actors who has starred in such Netflix hits as “Narcos” and “Who Killed Sara?,” is now filming his directorial debut, “One Must Die,” for Paramount+.
Cardona also stars in the suspense thriller and is joined by Spain’s Maribel Verdu, who starred in “Pan’s Labyrinth,” “Belle Epoque” and “Y Tu Mamá Tambien,” and is soon featured in the upcoming DC film “The Flash.” The rest of the cast includes Carla Adell, Juan Carlos Remolina, Dagoberto Gama, Fernando Becerril and Adriana Paz.
In the story written by Julieta Steimberg and Gavo Amiel, seven people are kidnapped and find themselves unwilling participants in a deadly game. In order to survive, the captives must choose one of them to die, but this person will have to agree to be sacrificed. Meanwhile, the clock ticks and their allotted time is running out.
“I’ve always been interested in exploring the human condition,...
Cardona also stars in the suspense thriller and is joined by Spain’s Maribel Verdu, who starred in “Pan’s Labyrinth,” “Belle Epoque” and “Y Tu Mamá Tambien,” and is soon featured in the upcoming DC film “The Flash.” The rest of the cast includes Carla Adell, Juan Carlos Remolina, Dagoberto Gama, Fernando Becerril and Adriana Paz.
In the story written by Julieta Steimberg and Gavo Amiel, seven people are kidnapped and find themselves unwilling participants in a deadly game. In order to survive, the captives must choose one of them to die, but this person will have to agree to be sacrificed. Meanwhile, the clock ticks and their allotted time is running out.
“I’ve always been interested in exploring the human condition,...
- 6/27/2022
- by Anna Marie de la Fuente
- Variety Film + TV
Click here to read the full article.
Paramount Global’s streaming service Paramount+ is continuing to invest in original content sourced from international markets, unveiling a slate of seven new titles, mostly series, Monday, that will debut around the world and saying it is planning to commission 150 international originals by 2025.
The new internationally originated programming, including a show about former Mexican drug lord El Chapo’s wife and former American teenage beauty queen — with John Leguizamo producing and starring as El Chapo — will be produced in partnership with Vis, Paramount’s international studio, part of the entertainment conglomerate’s portfolio of studios that spans more than 20 countries.
The slate of originals includes projects from Germany, Italy, France and Mexico. The slate news came ahead of the launch of Paramount+ in the U.K. and Ireland on Wednesday.
The Paramount subscription VOD service previously unveiled an ambitious commitment to greenlighting 50 international...
Paramount Global’s streaming service Paramount+ is continuing to invest in original content sourced from international markets, unveiling a slate of seven new titles, mostly series, Monday, that will debut around the world and saying it is planning to commission 150 international originals by 2025.
The new internationally originated programming, including a show about former Mexican drug lord El Chapo’s wife and former American teenage beauty queen — with John Leguizamo producing and starring as El Chapo — will be produced in partnership with Vis, Paramount’s international studio, part of the entertainment conglomerate’s portfolio of studios that spans more than 20 countries.
The slate of originals includes projects from Germany, Italy, France and Mexico. The slate news came ahead of the launch of Paramount+ in the U.K. and Ireland on Wednesday.
The Paramount subscription VOD service previously unveiled an ambitious commitment to greenlighting 50 international...
- 6/20/2022
- by Georg Szalai
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Premium U.S. Spanish-language streaming service Pantaya and Elefantec Global, co-founded by ex -Televisa top exec Pepe Bastón, have gone into production near Mexico City on six-part series “La rebelión,” which turns on one of the most powerful of recent drama series narratives: Women fighting back.
Described by Pantaya and Elefantec as a “melodramatic thriller,” the six-part series will premiere on Pantaya in the U.S. and Puerto Rico in the third quarter of 2022.
Typifying the kind of series that Elefantec aims to bring to Pantaya, “La Rebellion” boasts an impactful ensemble key cast of Aracely Arámbula, star of “La Doña,” Chile’s Daniela Vega, lead in the Academy Award-winning “A Fantastic Woman,” Ana Serradilla (“El hubiera sí existe”) and Adriana Paz (“Locked Up”).
First fruit of Pantaya-Elefantec production alliance, “La Rebelion” is directed by Spain’s Iñaki Peñafiel after his helming gigs on high-profile Spanish series “Express,” produced by Starzplay,...
Described by Pantaya and Elefantec as a “melodramatic thriller,” the six-part series will premiere on Pantaya in the U.S. and Puerto Rico in the third quarter of 2022.
Typifying the kind of series that Elefantec aims to bring to Pantaya, “La Rebellion” boasts an impactful ensemble key cast of Aracely Arámbula, star of “La Doña,” Chile’s Daniela Vega, lead in the Academy Award-winning “A Fantastic Woman,” Ana Serradilla (“El hubiera sí existe”) and Adriana Paz (“Locked Up”).
First fruit of Pantaya-Elefantec production alliance, “La Rebelion” is directed by Spain’s Iñaki Peñafiel after his helming gigs on high-profile Spanish series “Express,” produced by Starzplay,...
- 1/14/2022
- by John Hopewell
- Variety Film + TV
Throughout the first episode of “Coyote,” I kept waiting for a moment that might surprise me. Surely, I thought, this swashbuckling tale of a recently retired Border Patrol agent (Michael Chiklis) has more to offer than bursts of violence and basic platitudes about right and wrong. Surely, I hoped, there might be different layers to this series than meets the eye. And yet by the end of four episodes, no such moment came. Created by Michael Carnes, Josh Gilbert and showrunner David Graziano, “Coyote” sets itself up as an incisive character drama about a man who stumbles into a life and death situation that forces his black and white worldview to become gray. Instead, it comes off as a self-serious Western fantasy that’s more concerned with shocking its audience than making any sense.
The series — which premiered Jan. 7 on CBS All Access after originally being made for Paramount Network...
The series — which premiered Jan. 7 on CBS All Access after originally being made for Paramount Network...
- 1/8/2021
- by Caroline Framke
- Variety Film + TV
Is Ben prepared for what's coming his way in the first season of the Coyote TV show on CBS All Access? As we all know, the Nielsen ratings typically play a big role in determining whether a TV show like Coyote is cancelled or renewed for season two. CBS All Access and other streaming platforms, however, collect their own data. If you've been watching this TV series, we'd love to know how you feel about the first season episodes of Coyote here.
A CBS All Access drama series, the Coyote TV show stars Michael Chiklis, Adriana Paz, Kristyan Ferrer, Octavio Pisano, Cynthia Kaye McWilliams and Julio Cedillo with Mark Feuerstein, Kelli Williams, Daniel Mora, Emy Mena, George Pullar, Amy Forsyth, Ross Phillips, Romina D'Ugo, Bobby Daniel Rodriguez, Natalia Cordova-Buckley, Jose Pablo Cantillo and Drew Powell in recurring roles.
A CBS All Access drama series, the Coyote TV show stars Michael Chiklis, Adriana Paz, Kristyan Ferrer, Octavio Pisano, Cynthia Kaye McWilliams and Julio Cedillo with Mark Feuerstein, Kelli Williams, Daniel Mora, Emy Mena, George Pullar, Amy Forsyth, Ross Phillips, Romina D'Ugo, Bobby Daniel Rodriguez, Natalia Cordova-Buckley, Jose Pablo Cantillo and Drew Powell in recurring roles.
- 1/7/2021
- by TVSeriesFinale.com
- TVSeriesFinale.com
Network: CBS All Access
Episodes: Ongoing (hour)
Seasons: Ongoing
TV show dates: January 7, 2021 -- present
Series status: Has not been cancelled
Performers include: Michael Chiklis, Adriana Paz, Kristyan Ferrer, Octavio Pisano, Cynthia Kaye McWilliams and Julio Cedillo with Mark Feuerstein, Kelli Williams, Daniel Mora, Emy Mena, George Pullar, Amy Forsyth, Ross Phillips, Romina D'Ugo, Bobby Daniel Rodriguez, Natalia Cordova-Buckley, Jose Pablo Cantillo and Drew Powell in recurring roles.
TV show description:
A drama series, the Coyote TV show tells the story of Ben Clemens (Chiklis). After 32 years as a border patrol agent, he's forced to work for the very people he spent his career trying to keep out of America.
Now exposed to life on the other side of...
Episodes: Ongoing (hour)
Seasons: Ongoing
TV show dates: January 7, 2021 -- present
Series status: Has not been cancelled
Performers include: Michael Chiklis, Adriana Paz, Kristyan Ferrer, Octavio Pisano, Cynthia Kaye McWilliams and Julio Cedillo with Mark Feuerstein, Kelli Williams, Daniel Mora, Emy Mena, George Pullar, Amy Forsyth, Ross Phillips, Romina D'Ugo, Bobby Daniel Rodriguez, Natalia Cordova-Buckley, Jose Pablo Cantillo and Drew Powell in recurring roles.
TV show description:
A drama series, the Coyote TV show tells the story of Ben Clemens (Chiklis). After 32 years as a border patrol agent, he's forced to work for the very people he spent his career trying to keep out of America.
Now exposed to life on the other side of...
- 1/7/2021
- by TVSeriesFinale.com
- TVSeriesFinale.com
Vulture Watch
Is Ben in too deep? Has the Coyote TV show been cancelled or renewed for a second season on CBS All Access? The television vulture is watching all the latest cancellation and renewal news, so this page is the place to track the status of Coyote, season two. Bookmark it, or subscribe for the latest updates. Remember, the television vulture is watching your shows. Are you?
What's This TV Show About?
Streaming on the CBS All Access subscription service, the Coyote TV show stars Michael Chiklis, Adriana Paz, Kristyan Ferrer, Octavio Pisano, Cynthia Kaye McWilliams and Julio Cedillo with Mark Feuerstein, Kelli Williams, Daniel Mora, Emy Mena, George Pullar, Amy Forsyth, Ross Phillips, Romina D'Ugo, Bobby Daniel Rodriguez, Natalia Cordova-Buckley, Jose Pablo Cantillo and Drew Powell in recurring roles. The series tells the story of Ben Clemens (Chiklis). After 32...
Is Ben in too deep? Has the Coyote TV show been cancelled or renewed for a second season on CBS All Access? The television vulture is watching all the latest cancellation and renewal news, so this page is the place to track the status of Coyote, season two. Bookmark it, or subscribe for the latest updates. Remember, the television vulture is watching your shows. Are you?
What's This TV Show About?
Streaming on the CBS All Access subscription service, the Coyote TV show stars Michael Chiklis, Adriana Paz, Kristyan Ferrer, Octavio Pisano, Cynthia Kaye McWilliams and Julio Cedillo with Mark Feuerstein, Kelli Williams, Daniel Mora, Emy Mena, George Pullar, Amy Forsyth, Ross Phillips, Romina D'Ugo, Bobby Daniel Rodriguez, Natalia Cordova-Buckley, Jose Pablo Cantillo and Drew Powell in recurring roles. The series tells the story of Ben Clemens (Chiklis). After 32...
- 1/7/2021
- by TVSeriesFinale.com
- TVSeriesFinale.com
Coyote Trailer — CBS All Access‘ Coyote (2021) TV show trailer has been released and stars Michael Chiklis, George Pullar, Ross Philips, Cynthia Kaye McWilliams, Juan Pablo Raba, Kelli Williams, Adriana Paz, Drew Powell, Natalia Cordova-Buckley, Octavio Pisano, and Michele Nordin. Crew Michelle MacLaren directed the first two episodes of the Coyote. H. Scott [...]
Continue reading: Coyote (2021) TV Show Trailer: Former Border Patrol Agent Michael Chiklis becomes a Human Smuggler [CBS All Access]...
Continue reading: Coyote (2021) TV Show Trailer: Former Border Patrol Agent Michael Chiklis becomes a Human Smuggler [CBS All Access]...
- 11/28/2020
- by Rollo Tomasi
- Film-Book
Another scriped series is officially on the move.
CBS All Access today announced that it has acquired the rights to Coyote, which was initially in the works at Paramound Network.
The streamer today released the official trailer for the series, and announced all six episodes of the scripted drama series, starring Emmy® Award-winner Michael Chiklis, Juan Pablo Raba, and Adriana Paz, will be available to stream exclusively on the service beginning Thursday, Jan. 7.
Coyote is the story of Ben Clemens (Chiklis), who after 32 years as a border patrol agent is forced to work for the very people he spent his career trying to keep out of America.
Now exposed to life on the other side of the wall, Ben will start to question his black and white views of the world, challenging his ideology and his loyalties.
In addition to Michael Chiklis and Juan Pablo Raba, who plays Juan Diego “El Catrin” Zamora,...
CBS All Access today announced that it has acquired the rights to Coyote, which was initially in the works at Paramound Network.
The streamer today released the official trailer for the series, and announced all six episodes of the scripted drama series, starring Emmy® Award-winner Michael Chiklis, Juan Pablo Raba, and Adriana Paz, will be available to stream exclusively on the service beginning Thursday, Jan. 7.
Coyote is the story of Ben Clemens (Chiklis), who after 32 years as a border patrol agent is forced to work for the very people he spent his career trying to keep out of America.
Now exposed to life on the other side of the wall, Ben will start to question his black and white views of the world, challenging his ideology and his loyalties.
In addition to Michael Chiklis and Juan Pablo Raba, who plays Juan Diego “El Catrin” Zamora,...
- 11/19/2020
- by Paul Dailly
- TVfanatic
Michael Chiklis drama “Coyote” is moving from Paramount Network to CBS All Access, TheWrap has confirmed.
The six-episode series will premiere on the streaming service, which is set to be rebranded as Paramount+ on Jan. 7, 2021. It was first ordered at ViacomCBS-owned cable channel Paramount Network, which will become the Paramount Movie Network next year, as it shifts focus away from series television (with the exception of “Yellowstone”).
“Coyote” follows Ben Clemens (Chiklis), who after 32 years as a border patrol agent is forced to work for the very people he spent his career trying to keep out of America. Now exposed to life on the other side of the wall, Ben will start to question his black and white views of the world, challenging his ideology and his loyalties.
Along with Chiklis, the series stars Juan Pablo Raba, who plays Juan Diego “El Catrin” Zamora, the head of a small family cartel in Mexico,...
The six-episode series will premiere on the streaming service, which is set to be rebranded as Paramount+ on Jan. 7, 2021. It was first ordered at ViacomCBS-owned cable channel Paramount Network, which will become the Paramount Movie Network next year, as it shifts focus away from series television (with the exception of “Yellowstone”).
“Coyote” follows Ben Clemens (Chiklis), who after 32 years as a border patrol agent is forced to work for the very people he spent his career trying to keep out of America. Now exposed to life on the other side of the wall, Ben will start to question his black and white views of the world, challenging his ideology and his loyalties.
Along with Chiklis, the series stars Juan Pablo Raba, who plays Juan Diego “El Catrin” Zamora, the head of a small family cartel in Mexico,...
- 11/19/2020
- by Jennifer Maas
- The Wrap
Another series is moving away from Paramount Network.
The Michael Chiklis drama “Coyote” will now debut on CBS All Access rather than the cable channel which is shifting away from original shows towards TV movies and miniseries, as Variety reported exclusively.
News of the “Coyote” move comes almost a year-and-a-half after it was ordered to series at Paramount Network. All six episodes of the show will now be available to stream from Jan. 7.
In “Coyote,” Chiklis stars as Ben Clemens who, after 32 years as a border patrol agent, is forced to work for the very people he spent his career trying to keep out of America. Now exposed to life on the other side of the wall, Ben will start to question his black and white views of the world, challenging his ideology and his loyalties.
In addition to Chiklis, the series stars Juan Pablo Raba as Juan Diego “El Catrin” Zamora,...
The Michael Chiklis drama “Coyote” will now debut on CBS All Access rather than the cable channel which is shifting away from original shows towards TV movies and miniseries, as Variety reported exclusively.
News of the “Coyote” move comes almost a year-and-a-half after it was ordered to series at Paramount Network. All six episodes of the show will now be available to stream from Jan. 7.
In “Coyote,” Chiklis stars as Ben Clemens who, after 32 years as a border patrol agent, is forced to work for the very people he spent his career trying to keep out of America. Now exposed to life on the other side of the wall, Ben will start to question his black and white views of the world, challenging his ideology and his loyalties.
In addition to Chiklis, the series stars Juan Pablo Raba as Juan Diego “El Catrin” Zamora,...
- 11/19/2020
- by Will Thorne
- Variety Film + TV
Another scripted series is on the move as media titans continue to prioritize and bulk up their streaming offerings.
Coyote, the drama series starring Michael Chiklis, is moving from Paramount Network to CBS All Access. The six-episode drama from Sony Pictures Television will debut on the ViacomCBS-backed streamer on Jan. 7.
Originally developed and picked up to series last year for Paramount Network, Chiklis stars as a border patrol agent who is forced to work for the people he spent his career trying to keep out of America. Juan Pablo Raba and Adriana Paz co-star in the series. David Graziano (Southland) serves ...
Coyote, the drama series starring Michael Chiklis, is moving from Paramount Network to CBS All Access. The six-episode drama from Sony Pictures Television will debut on the ViacomCBS-backed streamer on Jan. 7.
Originally developed and picked up to series last year for Paramount Network, Chiklis stars as a border patrol agent who is forced to work for the people he spent his career trying to keep out of America. Juan Pablo Raba and Adriana Paz co-star in the series. David Graziano (Southland) serves ...
- 11/19/2020
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Another scripted series is on the move as media titans continue to prioritize and bulk up their streaming offerings.
Coyote, the drama series starring Michael Chiklis, is moving from Paramount Network to CBS All Access. The six-episode drama from Sony Pictures Television will debut on the ViacomCBS-backed streamer on Jan. 7.
Originally developed and picked up to series last year for Paramount Network, Chiklis stars as a border patrol agent who is forced to work for the people he spent his career trying to keep out of America. Juan Pablo Raba and Adriana Paz co-star in the series. David Graziano (Southland) serves ...
Coyote, the drama series starring Michael Chiklis, is moving from Paramount Network to CBS All Access. The six-episode drama from Sony Pictures Television will debut on the ViacomCBS-backed streamer on Jan. 7.
Originally developed and picked up to series last year for Paramount Network, Chiklis stars as a border patrol agent who is forced to work for the people he spent his career trying to keep out of America. Juan Pablo Raba and Adriana Paz co-star in the series. David Graziano (Southland) serves ...
- 11/19/2020
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
There’s a visceral, wordless trawl through earthly hell straining to get out from beneath the overwrought script clichés of “Tijuana Bible,” a long-awaited third feature from Frenchman Jean-Charles Hue that echoes, but doesn’t quite fulfil, the promise of his electrifying 2014 breakout “Eat Your Bones.” Following two lost souls through a veritable obstacle course of human horrors in the volatile border city of the title, Hue’s perspiration-soaked latest confirms his knack for capturing milieu, as well as his tough, blunt-force interest in everyday violence. Yet those assets are shackled here to a narrative that, with its white-savior overtones and hokey good-versus-evil dynamics, doesn’t feel half as convincing: Every time Jonathan Ricquebourg’s vigorous, tactile camerawork is permitted to lead the storytelling, the film’s pulse quickens.
Following a low-key festival tour that began with a Busan premiere last fall — in contrast to “Eat Your Bones,” which made...
Following a low-key festival tour that began with a Busan premiere last fall — in contrast to “Eat Your Bones,” which made...
- 8/4/2020
- by Guy Lodge
- Variety Film + TV
In today’s TV news roundup, Ali Wong gets two new Netflix comedy specials and Bet releases the first look at Lena Waithe’s “Twenties” series.
Casting
Michael Beach (“ER”), Anne-Marie Johnson (“For The People”) and Kellee Stewart (“Guess Who”) have been cast in Ava DuVernay’s romantic anthology series, “Cherish The Day.” They join Xosha Roquemore, Alano Miller and Emmy-award winner Cicely Tyson. Also, Blitz Bazawule, Aurora Guerrero (“13 Reasons Why”) and Deborah Kampmeier (“Queen Sugar”) join Tanya Hamilton (“Vampire Diaries”) as directors.
Joel McHale will return to host the 2020 second season of ABC’s “Card Sharks,” a competition series with two players facing off in a head-to-head elimination race. McHale is repped by UTA and Ziffren Brittenham Llp. Scott St. John and Jennifer Mullin executive produce “Card Sharks.”
Juan Pablo Raba (“Narcos”), Adriana Paz, Kristyan Ferrer, Octavio Pisano, Cynthia Kaye McWilliams (“Nashville”) and Julio Cedillo (“Sicario”) have been...
Casting
Michael Beach (“ER”), Anne-Marie Johnson (“For The People”) and Kellee Stewart (“Guess Who”) have been cast in Ava DuVernay’s romantic anthology series, “Cherish The Day.” They join Xosha Roquemore, Alano Miller and Emmy-award winner Cicely Tyson. Also, Blitz Bazawule, Aurora Guerrero (“13 Reasons Why”) and Deborah Kampmeier (“Queen Sugar”) join Tanya Hamilton (“Vampire Diaries”) as directors.
Joel McHale will return to host the 2020 second season of ABC’s “Card Sharks,” a competition series with two players facing off in a head-to-head elimination race. McHale is repped by UTA and Ziffren Brittenham Llp. Scott St. John and Jennifer Mullin executive produce “Card Sharks.”
Juan Pablo Raba (“Narcos”), Adriana Paz, Kristyan Ferrer, Octavio Pisano, Cynthia Kaye McWilliams (“Nashville”) and Julio Cedillo (“Sicario”) have been...
- 12/3/2019
- by LaTesha Harris
- Variety Film + TV
Adriana Paz (The Empty Hours), Kristyan Ferrer, Octavio Pisano, Cynthia Kaye McWilliams and Julio Cedillo are set as series regulars opposite Michael Chiklis and Juan Pablo Raba in Coyote, Paramount Network’s one-hour scripted drama series from Emmy-winning executive producer and director Michelle MacLaren, Dark Horse Entertainment and Sony Pictures TV. It’s slated to premiere in 2020.
Written by David Graziano (American Gods), Michael Carnes and Josh Gilbert (Mr. Woodcock), Coyote is the story of Ben Clemens (Chiklis), who, after 32 years as a border patrol agent, is forced to work for the very people he spent his career trying to keep out of America. Now exposed to life on the other side of the wall, Ben will start to question his black-and-white views of the world, challenging his ideology and his loyalties.
Written by David Graziano (American Gods), Michael Carnes and Josh Gilbert (Mr. Woodcock), Coyote is the story of Ben Clemens (Chiklis), who, after 32 years as a border patrol agent, is forced to work for the very people he spent his career trying to keep out of America. Now exposed to life on the other side of the wall, Ben will start to question his black-and-white views of the world, challenging his ideology and his loyalties.
- 12/3/2019
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Tijuana Bible
French filmmaker Jean-Charles Hue travels abroad for his long-awaited third feature Tijuana Bible. Philippe Braunstein and Axel Guyot (who also co-wrote) produced the film through Les Films d’Avalon, co-produced by Ad Vitam. English actor Paul Anderson stars alongside Mexico’s Adriana Paz and Noe Hernandez with Dp Jonathan Ricquebourg lenses. Hue’s 2011 debut The Lord’s Ride premiered in Rotterdam and his 2014 follow-up Eat Your Bones went to the Directors’ Fortnight in Cannes. Perhaps there is a tie-in with his Directors’ Fortnight preemed short Tijuana Tales (2017).
Gist: Iraq war veteran Nick (Anderson) lives in Tijuana’s Zona Norte where he meets Ana (Paz), naïve young woman searching for her missing brother, Ricardo.…...
French filmmaker Jean-Charles Hue travels abroad for his long-awaited third feature Tijuana Bible. Philippe Braunstein and Axel Guyot (who also co-wrote) produced the film through Les Films d’Avalon, co-produced by Ad Vitam. English actor Paul Anderson stars alongside Mexico’s Adriana Paz and Noe Hernandez with Dp Jonathan Ricquebourg lenses. Hue’s 2011 debut The Lord’s Ride premiered in Rotterdam and his 2014 follow-up Eat Your Bones went to the Directors’ Fortnight in Cannes. Perhaps there is a tie-in with his Directors’ Fortnight preemed short Tijuana Tales (2017).
Gist: Iraq war veteran Nick (Anderson) lives in Tijuana’s Zona Norte where he meets Ana (Paz), naïve young woman searching for her missing brother, Ricardo.…...
- 1/2/2019
- by Nicholas Bell
- IONCINEMA.com
Official Competition Jury: Alexander Payne, Bet Rourich, Agnes Johansen, Francesca Cima, Nahuel Perez Biscayart, Rossy de Palma Photo: Courtesy of San Sebastian Film Festival Downsizing director Alexander Payne has been announced as the jury president for the 66th San Sebastian Film Festival.
The helmer of films including Sideways and Nebraska will be joined on the Official Competition jury by 42 Beats actor Nahuel Pérez Biscayart and Women On The Verge Of A Nervous Breakdown star Rossy de Palma, alongside Adult Life Skills and Songbird cinemtographer Bet Rourich. Producers Francesca Cima (The Great Beauty) and Agnes Johansen (Jar City) will also take part, with a seventh juror still to be named.
In a refreshing change from many festivals, female talent also dominates the New Directors award jury, with Thelma producer Katrin Pors named president, alongside Refugiado director Diego Lerman, artist Imma Merino, scriptwriter Léa Mysius (Ismael's Ghosts) and Sydney Film Festival director Nashen Moodley.
The helmer of films including Sideways and Nebraska will be joined on the Official Competition jury by 42 Beats actor Nahuel Pérez Biscayart and Women On The Verge Of A Nervous Breakdown star Rossy de Palma, alongside Adult Life Skills and Songbird cinemtographer Bet Rourich. Producers Francesca Cima (The Great Beauty) and Agnes Johansen (Jar City) will also take part, with a seventh juror still to be named.
In a refreshing change from many festivals, female talent also dominates the New Directors award jury, with Thelma producer Katrin Pors named president, alongside Refugiado director Diego Lerman, artist Imma Merino, scriptwriter Léa Mysius (Ismael's Ghosts) and Sydney Film Festival director Nashen Moodley.
- 9/7/2018
- by Amber Wilkinson
- eyeforfilm.co.uk
Countries around the world have slowly begun announcing their official submissions for the Best Foreign Language Film Academy Award or shortlists of films that are being considered for the distinction. In the case of Mexico there is no clear candidate for the Mexican Academy to select this year, which leaves an open field of diverse films from the art house and commercial realms.
Undoubtedly, the best Mexican film audiences around the world, and in Mexico itself, have had the chance to see in 2015 is Alonso Ruiz Palacios “Güeros,” and some have even speculated that the black-and-white love letter to Mexico City could become the country’s Oscar candidate and even be among the favorites. Unfortunately, the film doesn’t qualify because it was considered to become the official entry last year, when it lost the opportunity to represent Mexico to the financially successful biopic “Cantinflas.” Ruiz Palacios' film would go on to win five Ariel Awards (Mexican Academy Awards) including Best Film and Best Director. It’s in fact the best choice, yet it simply can’t be anymore.
Each year the Mexican Academy sends out a call for entries for filmmakers and producers to submit their films. The organization will only consider those films that are entered by their respective creators, which means that even if a film qualifies if it’s not submitted it won’t be considered. The submission period is over now and the Mexican Academy will announce a list of films competing to represent the nation at the Oscars and the Spanish Goya’s in the upcoming days. Even without a gem like “Güeros” there are still other likely choices and many others that don’t stand a chance against the world-class works that will be send from across the globe. Commercial successes like “A la Mala,” “Tiempos Felices” or “Visitantes” will have a hard time finding support, but I wouldn’t be surprised if they are entered to be in the running anyway.
After looking carefully at release dates, festivals, last year’s films in competition, and having seen several of them, here is a list of 15 films that look like reasonable choices to represent the Mexican film industry at Hollywood’s most prestigious award show. Let’s see how many of these are actually on the official list.
"600 Millas" (600 Miles)
Dir. Gabriel Ripstein
Winner of the Best First Feature at this year’s Berlinale and starring Tim Roth, Gabriel Ripstein’s gun trafficking drama is a gritty and powerful statement about one of the numerous complex issues afflicting both Mexico and the U.S. However, giving the duality it deals with, the film is partially in English, which could become a tricky problem when deciding if it can compete as a foreign language work or not. Furthermore, “600 Miles” hasn’t had a theatrical release in Mexico yet, something that AMPAS requires for a film to qualify. If selected a one-week qualifying run would be mandatory.
"Alicia en el País de Maria" (Alice in Marialand)
Dir. Jesús Magaña Vázquez
Starring Stephanie Sigman ("Spectre") and Uruguayan-born actress Barbara Mori, this highly stylized romantic fantasy follows a love triangle between reality and a strange dreamland. This is Magaña Vázquez highest profile film to date and premiered at the Guadalajara International Film Festival earlier this year. It’s non-linear narrative and the fact that it hasn’t screen much outside its homeland might play against it, but it’s still appears to be an interesting choice. The film opens August 28 in Mexico.
"Carmín Tropical"
Dir. Rigoberto Pérezcano
A personal favorite from what I’ve seen and one of the strongest candidates on this list, “Carmin Tropical” tells the story of Mabel, a “muxe” or physical male who lives as a woman, who returns to her hometown to investigate the death of her estranged best friend, also a "muxe." After winning the highest award at the Morelia International Film Festival, the film has gone to screen in festivals around the world including Outfest Los Angeles and the Sarajevo Film Festival. Added to this, Pérezcano’s work earned him the Ariel Award for Best Original Screenplay at this year’s ceremony. Its relevant ideas regarding gender identity and hate crimes could give it some traction.
"Club Sandwich"
Dir. Fernando Eimbcke
While Fernando Eimbcke’s most recent indie has been around since 2013 in the festival circuit, the film was not considered last year to become the country’s entry as it only open theatrically in Mexico last November. Given these facts this delightful comedy technically qualifies, though it’s hard to say if the filmmaker will pursue the candidacy. “Club Sandwich” uses deadpan charm to explore the relationship between a teenage boy and his mother while on vacation yo a beachside town. The film screened during last year’s Los Angeles Film Festival.
"Las Elegidas" (The Chosen Ones)
Dir. David Pablos
This is the obvious heavyweight at least on paper. In recent years Mexican films that were selected to participate in the Cannes Film Festival have become ideal selections for Oscar consideration. Carlos Reygadas “Silent Light,” Gerardo Naranjo’s “Miss Bala,” Michel Franco’s “After Lucia,” and Amat Escalante’s “Heli,” represented the country in their respective years. Despite being highly regarded internationally, these type of hyperrealist art house films have failed to garner a nomination from AMPAS, which could mean the Mexican Academy might want to look towards more commercial projects like they did last year. Pablos' film is similar to some of the aforementioned titles in terms of the crude realities they depict. Reviews were mostly positive and the film could definitely continue with the Cannes-to-Oscar pattern, but might prove another hard sale for Academy voters. “Las Elegidas” still hasn’t open theatrically in Mexico.
"Elvira, Te Dariá Mi Vida Pero La Estoy Usando" (Elvira, I'd Give You My Life But I'm Using It)
Dir. Manolo Caro
A sophisticated romantic dramedy starring two of Mexico’s most prolific actors Cecilia Suarez and Luis Gerardo Mendez (Netflix’ “Club de Cuervos”), the film represents a departure for filmmaker Manolo Caro from the more conventional romantic comedies he’s done in the past. When Elvira’s husband goes missing she embarks on a search to find him, even if the outcome of her quest is not what she expects her devotion is unwavering. The film had its U.S. premiere at the Los Angeles Film Festival in June and it’s opening in Mexico this weekend.
"Estrellas Solitarias" (Lonely Stars)
Dir. Fernando Urdapilleta
By far the most unconventional choice, this irreverent comedy about dreams of stardom focuses on a pair of transvestites hoping to get their big break while working in a dingy and unglamorous bar. Music plays a big role in Fernando Urdapilleta’s sophomore feature, which shines a light on characters rarely seen in Mexican cinema. Produced by the Centro de Capacitación Cinematográfica the film has screened around the country and competed for the Maguey Award to Lgbt films at the 30th edition of Guadalajara International Film Festival (Ficg).
"Gloria"
Dir. Christian Keller
Working from a screenplay by Sabina Berman, Swiss filmmaker Christian Keller crafted a searing biopic about one of Mexico’s most iconic pop stars, Gloria Trevi, and her tumultuous career. The film took audiences and critics by surprise mainly because of the authenticity brought to it by the young actress Sofia Espinosa, who truly embodied Trevi’s outrageous personality and commanding stage presence. “Gloria” opened in Mexico back in February and it screened at SXSW in Austin last March. It’s also the only film in the list that has already had a U.S. theatrical release, which has handled by Picturehouse. This would definitely be a divisive selection given that Gloria is not widely known in the English-speaking world.
"La Guerra de Manuela Jankovic" (Manuela Jankovic's War)
Dir. Diana Cardozo
Nominated for 3 Ariel Awards including Best Actress and Best Supporting Actress this year, this peculiar drama opened late last year and hasn’t travel much internationally. Set in the early 90s the film deals with Manuela, a middle-aged woman who must take care of her bitter Serbian grandmother who escaped to Mexico during World War II. Beautifully executed and acted the film is a sleeper that could actually be an ideal choice given its unique premise and approach. Stories about the Eastern European community in Mexico have rarely been explored in film.
"Hilda"
Dir. Andres Clariond
Dealing with classicism within Mexican society, this Audience Award-winning film at the last Morelia Film Festival paints a disturbing picture about the divide between the elite and the working class. Starring Veronica Langer as Mrs. Le Marchand, a wealthy woman depressed due to her unfulfilled ambitions, the film is a psychological drama with darkly comedic undertones. When Hilda (Adriana Paz) a new housemaid is hired, Le Marchand’s obsessive behavior unravels. Andres Clariond’s debut feature is based on a French play by Marie Ndiaye, the filmmaker certainly found parallels between the playwright’s work and his homeland. “Hilda” will open in Mexico in early September.
"Las Horas Contigo" (The Hours With You)
Dir. Catalina Aguilar Mastretta
This endearing dram about a young woman coming to terms with her grandmother’s imminent death has been a quiet success since it’s premiere at the 2014 Ficg where it won the Best Director award for debutant Catalina Aguilar Mastretta. “Las Horas Contigo” was nominated for three Ariel Awards winning the Best Supporting Actress statuette for veteran thespian Isela Vega. The film’s U.S. premiere took place during the 4th edition of Ficg in La and was also part of the Latin Cinema section at the Palm Springs International Film Festival. It’s a well-made film that offers a handful of moving moments that could resonate with voters, though in my opinion it’s a bit slight.
"Manto Acuífero" ( The Well)
Dir. Michael Rowe
Australian filmmaker Michael Rowe, who has made a career working in Mexico, received great acclaim and accolades for his debut feature “Año Bisiesto,” including the Camera d’Or prize at the Cannes Film Festival. “Manto Acuífero,” his sophomore effort, premiered at the Rome Film Festival in 2013 and was produced by Gael Garcia Bernal and Diego Luna’s Canana. Centered on a young girl dealing with troubling situations at home, the film also screened at the Morelia Film Festival. Its theatrical release didn’t happen until November of last year, which based on AMPAS rules qualifies it for consideration. “Manto Acuífero” was not considered last year.
"El Más Buscasdo" (Mexican Gangster)
Dir. José Manuel Cravioto
By far the most commercial and most expensive-looking film on the list, this action tale revolves around a bank robber whose alter ego is a mysterious masked singer. Jose Manuel Cravioto’s narrative debut stars Tenoch Huerta (“Güeros”) as skillful criminal Alfredo Rios Galeana and as al El Charro Misterioso, the elusive and talented performer. Set in the 1980s “El Más Buscado” showcases costumes, production design, and music from that period in a Robin Hood-like story of a unique antihero. The film screened in L.A. as part of the Hola Mexico Film Festival back in May but other than that lacks noticeable international presence.
"Las Oscuras Primaveras" (The Obscure Spring)
Dir. Ernesto Contreras
Moody and darkly sensual, this intense drama from director Ernesto Contreras won the Knight Competition Grand Jury Prize as well as the Best Performance Grand Jury Prize and the Miami International Film Festival. Cecilia Suarez and Jose Maria Yazpik star as a childless married couple whose relationship is threaten when he starts having a steamy affair with a lonely single mother in need of companionship. “Las Oscuras Primaveras” also received three Ariel Awards at the most recent ceremony for Best Editing, Best Sound, and Best Original Score.
"La Tirisia" (Perpetual Sadness)
Dir. Jorge Pérez Solano
Last but definitely not least, the one film that, in this writer’s opinion, is the best opinion from the pack. Jose Perez Solano’s poetic feature follows two women in a remote community who have to choose between their children and their partner in a chauvinist society. The beauty and authenticity of “La Tirisia” have connected with audiences and juries from diverse backgrounds. Karlovy Vary, Palm Springs, Thessaloniki, Chicago, and Guadalajara were a few of the festivals that screened the film where it often was awarded prizes for its director and cast. Actress Adriana Paz (“Hilda”) won the Ariel Award for Best Actress for her work in the film, while Noé Hernandez took home the award for Best Supporting Actor. It’s art house roots and segmented narrative might work against it, but if voters at the Mexican Academy can look past that, this might be the one to bet on.
Undoubtedly, the best Mexican film audiences around the world, and in Mexico itself, have had the chance to see in 2015 is Alonso Ruiz Palacios “Güeros,” and some have even speculated that the black-and-white love letter to Mexico City could become the country’s Oscar candidate and even be among the favorites. Unfortunately, the film doesn’t qualify because it was considered to become the official entry last year, when it lost the opportunity to represent Mexico to the financially successful biopic “Cantinflas.” Ruiz Palacios' film would go on to win five Ariel Awards (Mexican Academy Awards) including Best Film and Best Director. It’s in fact the best choice, yet it simply can’t be anymore.
Each year the Mexican Academy sends out a call for entries for filmmakers and producers to submit their films. The organization will only consider those films that are entered by their respective creators, which means that even if a film qualifies if it’s not submitted it won’t be considered. The submission period is over now and the Mexican Academy will announce a list of films competing to represent the nation at the Oscars and the Spanish Goya’s in the upcoming days. Even without a gem like “Güeros” there are still other likely choices and many others that don’t stand a chance against the world-class works that will be send from across the globe. Commercial successes like “A la Mala,” “Tiempos Felices” or “Visitantes” will have a hard time finding support, but I wouldn’t be surprised if they are entered to be in the running anyway.
After looking carefully at release dates, festivals, last year’s films in competition, and having seen several of them, here is a list of 15 films that look like reasonable choices to represent the Mexican film industry at Hollywood’s most prestigious award show. Let’s see how many of these are actually on the official list.
"600 Millas" (600 Miles)
Dir. Gabriel Ripstein
Winner of the Best First Feature at this year’s Berlinale and starring Tim Roth, Gabriel Ripstein’s gun trafficking drama is a gritty and powerful statement about one of the numerous complex issues afflicting both Mexico and the U.S. However, giving the duality it deals with, the film is partially in English, which could become a tricky problem when deciding if it can compete as a foreign language work or not. Furthermore, “600 Miles” hasn’t had a theatrical release in Mexico yet, something that AMPAS requires for a film to qualify. If selected a one-week qualifying run would be mandatory.
"Alicia en el País de Maria" (Alice in Marialand)
Dir. Jesús Magaña Vázquez
Starring Stephanie Sigman ("Spectre") and Uruguayan-born actress Barbara Mori, this highly stylized romantic fantasy follows a love triangle between reality and a strange dreamland. This is Magaña Vázquez highest profile film to date and premiered at the Guadalajara International Film Festival earlier this year. It’s non-linear narrative and the fact that it hasn’t screen much outside its homeland might play against it, but it’s still appears to be an interesting choice. The film opens August 28 in Mexico.
"Carmín Tropical"
Dir. Rigoberto Pérezcano
A personal favorite from what I’ve seen and one of the strongest candidates on this list, “Carmin Tropical” tells the story of Mabel, a “muxe” or physical male who lives as a woman, who returns to her hometown to investigate the death of her estranged best friend, also a "muxe." After winning the highest award at the Morelia International Film Festival, the film has gone to screen in festivals around the world including Outfest Los Angeles and the Sarajevo Film Festival. Added to this, Pérezcano’s work earned him the Ariel Award for Best Original Screenplay at this year’s ceremony. Its relevant ideas regarding gender identity and hate crimes could give it some traction.
"Club Sandwich"
Dir. Fernando Eimbcke
While Fernando Eimbcke’s most recent indie has been around since 2013 in the festival circuit, the film was not considered last year to become the country’s entry as it only open theatrically in Mexico last November. Given these facts this delightful comedy technically qualifies, though it’s hard to say if the filmmaker will pursue the candidacy. “Club Sandwich” uses deadpan charm to explore the relationship between a teenage boy and his mother while on vacation yo a beachside town. The film screened during last year’s Los Angeles Film Festival.
"Las Elegidas" (The Chosen Ones)
Dir. David Pablos
This is the obvious heavyweight at least on paper. In recent years Mexican films that were selected to participate in the Cannes Film Festival have become ideal selections for Oscar consideration. Carlos Reygadas “Silent Light,” Gerardo Naranjo’s “Miss Bala,” Michel Franco’s “After Lucia,” and Amat Escalante’s “Heli,” represented the country in their respective years. Despite being highly regarded internationally, these type of hyperrealist art house films have failed to garner a nomination from AMPAS, which could mean the Mexican Academy might want to look towards more commercial projects like they did last year. Pablos' film is similar to some of the aforementioned titles in terms of the crude realities they depict. Reviews were mostly positive and the film could definitely continue with the Cannes-to-Oscar pattern, but might prove another hard sale for Academy voters. “Las Elegidas” still hasn’t open theatrically in Mexico.
"Elvira, Te Dariá Mi Vida Pero La Estoy Usando" (Elvira, I'd Give You My Life But I'm Using It)
Dir. Manolo Caro
A sophisticated romantic dramedy starring two of Mexico’s most prolific actors Cecilia Suarez and Luis Gerardo Mendez (Netflix’ “Club de Cuervos”), the film represents a departure for filmmaker Manolo Caro from the more conventional romantic comedies he’s done in the past. When Elvira’s husband goes missing she embarks on a search to find him, even if the outcome of her quest is not what she expects her devotion is unwavering. The film had its U.S. premiere at the Los Angeles Film Festival in June and it’s opening in Mexico this weekend.
"Estrellas Solitarias" (Lonely Stars)
Dir. Fernando Urdapilleta
By far the most unconventional choice, this irreverent comedy about dreams of stardom focuses on a pair of transvestites hoping to get their big break while working in a dingy and unglamorous bar. Music plays a big role in Fernando Urdapilleta’s sophomore feature, which shines a light on characters rarely seen in Mexican cinema. Produced by the Centro de Capacitación Cinematográfica the film has screened around the country and competed for the Maguey Award to Lgbt films at the 30th edition of Guadalajara International Film Festival (Ficg).
"Gloria"
Dir. Christian Keller
Working from a screenplay by Sabina Berman, Swiss filmmaker Christian Keller crafted a searing biopic about one of Mexico’s most iconic pop stars, Gloria Trevi, and her tumultuous career. The film took audiences and critics by surprise mainly because of the authenticity brought to it by the young actress Sofia Espinosa, who truly embodied Trevi’s outrageous personality and commanding stage presence. “Gloria” opened in Mexico back in February and it screened at SXSW in Austin last March. It’s also the only film in the list that has already had a U.S. theatrical release, which has handled by Picturehouse. This would definitely be a divisive selection given that Gloria is not widely known in the English-speaking world.
"La Guerra de Manuela Jankovic" (Manuela Jankovic's War)
Dir. Diana Cardozo
Nominated for 3 Ariel Awards including Best Actress and Best Supporting Actress this year, this peculiar drama opened late last year and hasn’t travel much internationally. Set in the early 90s the film deals with Manuela, a middle-aged woman who must take care of her bitter Serbian grandmother who escaped to Mexico during World War II. Beautifully executed and acted the film is a sleeper that could actually be an ideal choice given its unique premise and approach. Stories about the Eastern European community in Mexico have rarely been explored in film.
"Hilda"
Dir. Andres Clariond
Dealing with classicism within Mexican society, this Audience Award-winning film at the last Morelia Film Festival paints a disturbing picture about the divide between the elite and the working class. Starring Veronica Langer as Mrs. Le Marchand, a wealthy woman depressed due to her unfulfilled ambitions, the film is a psychological drama with darkly comedic undertones. When Hilda (Adriana Paz) a new housemaid is hired, Le Marchand’s obsessive behavior unravels. Andres Clariond’s debut feature is based on a French play by Marie Ndiaye, the filmmaker certainly found parallels between the playwright’s work and his homeland. “Hilda” will open in Mexico in early September.
"Las Horas Contigo" (The Hours With You)
Dir. Catalina Aguilar Mastretta
This endearing dram about a young woman coming to terms with her grandmother’s imminent death has been a quiet success since it’s premiere at the 2014 Ficg where it won the Best Director award for debutant Catalina Aguilar Mastretta. “Las Horas Contigo” was nominated for three Ariel Awards winning the Best Supporting Actress statuette for veteran thespian Isela Vega. The film’s U.S. premiere took place during the 4th edition of Ficg in La and was also part of the Latin Cinema section at the Palm Springs International Film Festival. It’s a well-made film that offers a handful of moving moments that could resonate with voters, though in my opinion it’s a bit slight.
"Manto Acuífero" ( The Well)
Dir. Michael Rowe
Australian filmmaker Michael Rowe, who has made a career working in Mexico, received great acclaim and accolades for his debut feature “Año Bisiesto,” including the Camera d’Or prize at the Cannes Film Festival. “Manto Acuífero,” his sophomore effort, premiered at the Rome Film Festival in 2013 and was produced by Gael Garcia Bernal and Diego Luna’s Canana. Centered on a young girl dealing with troubling situations at home, the film also screened at the Morelia Film Festival. Its theatrical release didn’t happen until November of last year, which based on AMPAS rules qualifies it for consideration. “Manto Acuífero” was not considered last year.
"El Más Buscasdo" (Mexican Gangster)
Dir. José Manuel Cravioto
By far the most commercial and most expensive-looking film on the list, this action tale revolves around a bank robber whose alter ego is a mysterious masked singer. Jose Manuel Cravioto’s narrative debut stars Tenoch Huerta (“Güeros”) as skillful criminal Alfredo Rios Galeana and as al El Charro Misterioso, the elusive and talented performer. Set in the 1980s “El Más Buscado” showcases costumes, production design, and music from that period in a Robin Hood-like story of a unique antihero. The film screened in L.A. as part of the Hola Mexico Film Festival back in May but other than that lacks noticeable international presence.
"Las Oscuras Primaveras" (The Obscure Spring)
Dir. Ernesto Contreras
Moody and darkly sensual, this intense drama from director Ernesto Contreras won the Knight Competition Grand Jury Prize as well as the Best Performance Grand Jury Prize and the Miami International Film Festival. Cecilia Suarez and Jose Maria Yazpik star as a childless married couple whose relationship is threaten when he starts having a steamy affair with a lonely single mother in need of companionship. “Las Oscuras Primaveras” also received three Ariel Awards at the most recent ceremony for Best Editing, Best Sound, and Best Original Score.
"La Tirisia" (Perpetual Sadness)
Dir. Jorge Pérez Solano
Last but definitely not least, the one film that, in this writer’s opinion, is the best opinion from the pack. Jose Perez Solano’s poetic feature follows two women in a remote community who have to choose between their children and their partner in a chauvinist society. The beauty and authenticity of “La Tirisia” have connected with audiences and juries from diverse backgrounds. Karlovy Vary, Palm Springs, Thessaloniki, Chicago, and Guadalajara were a few of the festivals that screened the film where it often was awarded prizes for its director and cast. Actress Adriana Paz (“Hilda”) won the Ariel Award for Best Actress for her work in the film, while Noé Hernandez took home the award for Best Supporting Actor. It’s art house roots and segmented narrative might work against it, but if voters at the Mexican Academy can look past that, this might be the one to bet on.
- 8/20/2015
- by Carlos Aguilar
- Sydney's Buzz
At the risk of overextending a writing-workshop maxim, great cinema often proves that the tale is in the telling. The primacy of visuals necessitates that how a story is told weighs more heavily on the film's success than the nature of the story itself.
Such is the case with Aaron Fernandez's The Empty Hours, a studied, coming-of-age narrative that makes a familiar tale sing. Set at a by-the-hour seaside motel in Veracruz, the picture follows 17-year-old Sebastian (Kristyan Ferrer) as he starts managing the establishment. With little human contact and plenty of free time, Sebastian's curiosity gets the best of him, as he can't help but eavesdrop and spy upon the various lovers coming and going. Sebastian develops a friendship with beautiful Miranda (Adriana Paz), whose l...
Such is the case with Aaron Fernandez's The Empty Hours, a studied, coming-of-age narrative that makes a familiar tale sing. Set at a by-the-hour seaside motel in Veracruz, the picture follows 17-year-old Sebastian (Kristyan Ferrer) as he starts managing the establishment. With little human contact and plenty of free time, Sebastian's curiosity gets the best of him, as he can't help but eavesdrop and spy upon the various lovers coming and going. Sebastian develops a friendship with beautiful Miranda (Adriana Paz), whose l...
- 7/9/2014
- Village Voice
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