Bendita Film Sales, a leading Spanish arthouse sales company, has acquired the international sales rights for Ernesto Martínez Bucio’s debut feature film, “The Devil Smokes.” This film is set to premiere at the Berlinale’s new Perspectives sidebar and explores the dynamics of sibling relationships and the passage of fears from one generation to the next.
The story is set in mid-90s Mexico City and follows five young siblings who are under the care of their grandmother after their parents mysteriously disappear. As they navigate the challenges of survival, a blurred line between reality and the supernatural begins to emerge. The grandmother, haunted by unsettling visions and growing fears, becomes increasingly distant, leading the children to spiral into a world of isolation. Their interactions with neighbors result in further withdrawal from the outside world.
CEO of Bendita Film Sales, Luis Renart, expressed his admiration for Martínez Bucio’s unique vision in portraying childhood fears and family connections with depth and poetic sensitivity. The company believes that the film will resonate strongly with arthouse audiences and garner attention on the festival circuit.
“The Devil Smokes” is produced by Carlos Hernández Vázquez, Gabriela Gavica, and Alejandro Durán at Mandarina Cine in Mexico, with support from various film institutions. This acquisition adds to Bendita Film Sales’ portfolio of notable arthouse films, including recent pickups like Costa Rica’s Oscar entry “Memories of a Burning Body,” Chile’s “The Hyperboreans,” and Lois Patiño’s “Samsara.”
In an exclusive interview with Variety, Martínez Bucio shared insights into the making of his debut feature, highlighting the challenges and rewards of directing a cast of young children. He emphasized the importance of building trust and relationships during the casting and workshop process to ensure a seamless transition into filming.
The film utilizes different cameras to capture distinct perspectives and timelines, enhancing the storytelling and emotional depth of the narrative. Martínez Bucio drew inspiration from personal experiences and collaborated with co-writer Karen Plata to craft a story that blurs the lines between memory and imagination.
Ultimately, “The Devil Smokes” aims to explore themes of loss, connection, and transformation in the face of chaos and uncertainty. Through the characters’ journey, the film poses the question of whether beauty can emerge from the ashes of destruction, offering a hopeful and thought-provoking narrative for audiences to ponder.
This captivating and introspective film promises to be a standout at the Berlinale and is poised to make a significant impact on the arthouse cinema scene. Bendita Film Sales’ acquisition of the international sales rights reflects their ongoing commitment to showcasing innovative and compelling storytelling from around the world.
