Bendita Film Sales secures rights to Norma Vila’s horror thriller ‘Carapace’ before its release at Sitges Film Festival, featuring Nagore Aranburu.
Bendita Film Sales has acquired international distribution rights to the psychological horror thriller ‘Salitre’ (titled ‘Carapace’). The film is set to premiere in the Fantàstic In-Competition Selection at the Sitges Film Festival. This move highlights Bendita Film Sales' commitment to producing and distributing impactful genre films, as they seek to bring fresh narratives to international audiences.
This film marks director Norma Vila’s debut feature, following her successful career in short films, including her win of the Syfy Award at the San Sebastián Horror and Fantasy Film Festival. ‘Carapace’ stars acclaimed actress Nagore Aranburu,—known for ‘Querer’ and ‘Sundays’—alongside Haizea Carneros from ‘Sacamantecas’. The narrative centers on Maite, a mother grappling with despair as her teenage daughter Nerea prepares to leave home for studies. This departure triggers a spiral of fear and obsession, challenging Maite's ability to manage her overwhelming love while confronting the emotional turmoil that threatens to unravel their bond.
Luis Renart, head of Bendita Film Sales, expressed enthusiasm about the film. He emphasized its exploration of relatable yet haunting emotions within parent-child relationships. He noted,
"What drew us to ‘Carapace’ is the way Norma Vila lets the horror take hold of something painfully recognizable: a mother who cannot bear to see her daughter leave."
‘Carapace’ comes with a production budget of €2.5 million ($2.9 million) and is primarily a Basque production, involving Ipuin Kontalaria, Euskadi Movie, Pris&Batty Films, Bondi Stories, and Festival Films, with contributions from EITB and RTVE. The filming took place in Biskaia and neighboring Cantabria, capturing the region's unique landscapes and adding depth to its storytelling.
The film's premiere at the Sitges Film Festival positions ‘Carapace’ to engage genre enthusiasts and industry insiders alike, providing a platform for its critical reception. With compelling themes rooted in psychological horror, Norma Vila’s work is expected to resonate deeply, captivating audiences and possibly influencing future projects that delve into similar emotional landscapes within the horror genre.
The acquisition by Bendita Film Sales underscores a growing interest in genre films that intricately explore psychological dimensions—particularly those embodied in maternal themes wrapped within horror. As ‘Carapace’ makes its debut at the Sitges Festival, anticipation builds for its international journey, further solidifying Norma Vila as an emerging voice in contemporary cinema.
For further thrilling updates, check out articles on Jack Huston’s discussions at the Venice Film Festival and Jannis Lenz's exploration of societal issues in ‘Oasis’.
What this means is that ‘Carapace’ is set to carve a unique niche in the horror genre, focusing on deeply personal themes and emotional narratives that resonate with both audiences and critics alike.
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