The 21st edition of the Co-Production Meetings hosted by the Guadalajara Film Festival’s industry program is set to bring together producers from Latin America, Spain, and Portugal in a collaborative effort to support and develop new projects. Running from June 9 to 11, this event will see selected projects competing for cash awards, with one award covering the entire production process from development to post-production.
Ximena Urrutia, head of Industry at FICG, emphasizes the significance of these meetings in providing a boost to the selected projects. With around 20 projects participating, the focus is on identifying the specific needs of each project and connecting them with the right industry professionals to help bring their vision to life. Many of these projects are in the early stages, some starting with just a concept or story outline, showcasing the importance of fostering creativity and collaboration in the industry.
The selection of projects for the Co-Production Meetings includes a diverse range of themes and genres. From stories set in the world of boxing to LGBTQ+ themed projects like “Diamonds are Forever,” which features a gay boxer, the lineup is rich with coming-of-age, music, and identity narratives. Notable projects include “Cupid’s Arrow,” a film within a film drama co-directed by acclaimed Chilean actress-helmer Manuela Martelli.
Running alongside the Co-Production Meetings is “Episodio Cero,” a program that focuses on series development, offering support for serialized content projects. This program follows a similar format to the Co-Production Meetings, providing opportunities for series creators to collaborate and grow their projects.
Some of the highlighted projects in the Co-Production Meetings include “This Bolero is for Ita,” a story about an elderly radio host stranded at the Venezuelan-Colombian border, and “Rebellion of Memory,” a documentary exploring the conflict in Peru’s Andean highlands. Other projects like “The Young and the Broken,” “God’s Favorite Girl,” and “Witches of the Island” bring unique perspectives and storytelling approaches to the table.
With a focus on supporting emerging talent and fostering international collaboration, the Co-Production Meetings at the Guadalajara Film Festival continue to be a vital platform for the development and promotion of diverse and innovative projects in the Latin American film industry.
