Spain’s Feelsales Secures International Sales Rights to Mariana Rondón’s “Zafari”
Spain-based Feelsales has acquired the international sales rights to Mariana Rondón’s latest film, “Zafari,” just ahead of its highly anticipated World Premiere at the San Sebastian Festival on September 22. The trailer for the film has been exclusively released on Variety’s platform.
Rondón, originally from Venezuela, is no stranger to critical acclaim, having previously won the Golden Seashell at the San Sebastian Festival for her 2013 drama, “Bad Hair” (“Pelo Malo”), which received accolades at various other festivals worldwide.
“Zafari” is set in a dystopian world where water, food, and hope are scarce commodities. The arrival of a hippopotamus at the Caracas zoo sparks a heated conflict between neighbors Edgar and Ali over the care of the animal and the community pool in their residential building. As resources dwindle and temperatures rise, Edgar’s wife, Ana, searches for a way out of their bleak reality, ultimately finding solace in the untamed wilderness.
Rondón describes the film as dystopian, drawing parallels to Venezuela but aiming to offer a broader commentary on present-day Latin America.
The collaboration with Feelsales was a natural fit for Rondón and Marité Ugás, the founding partner of Sudaca Films, as the distributor’s focus on auteur cinema and diverse representation aligns with their vision for the film.
Feelsales, traditionally known for distributing documentaries and short films, expanded its portfolio to include fiction features in 2022, with a keen eye on films that resonate with global audiences.
“Zafari” is a primarily Peruvian production, with contributions from six other countries, showcasing the collaborative nature of the film industry. The production was shot in locations across Latin America, adding to the authenticity of the storytelling.
Rondón and Ugás, both accomplished directors and screenwriters, have a rich filmography that includes critically acclaimed titles like “Bad Hair” and “El Chico que Miente.” Their partnership has yielded compelling narratives that resonate with audiences worldwide.
In addition to its distribution endeavors, Feelsales has expanded its services to include film festival support and development projects, including television series. The company is part of The Circular Group, a consortium that encompasses various facets of the entertainment industry, positioning Feelsales as a comprehensive agency attuned to the evolving needs of the industry.
With “Zafari” poised to make waves at the San Sebastian Festival and beyond, the collaboration between Rondón, Feelsales, and Sudaca Films is set to captivate audiences with its poignant storytelling and bold vision.
