Chile made a strong impression at this year’s Cannes Film Festival with two standout films: “The Wave” by acclaimed director Sebastián Lelio and “The Mysterious Gaze of the Flamingo” by Diego Cespedes. “The Wave” is a musical inspired by the feminist protests in Chile in 2018, while “Flamingo” is an LGBTQ-themed drama set in a mining town. These films showcase the diversity of Chilean cinema, from established Oscar-winning directors to up-and-coming talent.
Both films attracted sales agents before their Cannes screenings, with “The Wave” being picked up by FilmNation Entertainment and “Flamingo” by Charades. Lelio, the director of “The Wave,” expressed his joy at the film’s selection at Cannes, highlighting the challenges and rewards of creating a musical in a country with no real tradition in the genre. He also praised the new generation of young Chilean artists who made their debut in the film with talent and passion.
On the other hand, “Flamingo” was filmed in Chile’s Atacama Desert, known for its extreme and inhospitable conditions. Cespedes, the director, spoke about the emotional intensity of shooting in such a location and the support of his cast and crew. He expressed gratitude for the opportunity to showcase his work at Cannes, a festival that has been instrumental in his career development.
Quijote Films, the production company behind both films, has taken advantage of Chile’s revamped tax incentives to support their upcoming projects. The High-Impact Audiovisual Investment Support Program offers reimbursement for qualified expenses, encouraging more international collaborations and location shoots in Chile. The program was reinstated in 2024 with improved conditions, including higher reimbursement rates for productions outside the Metropolitan Region.
Chile’s diverse landscapes and natural beauty make it an attractive destination for filmmakers, with Quijote Films exploring remote and challenging locations for their projects. The country’s efforts to attract Asian collaborations and partnerships have been met with success, with delegations visiting China and India to forge new connections in the industry.
APCT, the producers’ organization in Chile, views the country’s collaboration with Asian countries as a significant opportunity for its audiovisual industry. Recent awards and partnerships in Asia have shown the potential for meaningful collaborations and long-term relationships. The Ministry of Culture’s support for co-production agreements with India, China, and Japan lays the foundation for future partnerships and growth in the industry.
Overall, Chile’s presence at Cannes this year highlights the country’s vibrant film industry, rich talent pool, and commitment to international collaboration. With a mix of established directors and emerging talent, Chile is poised to make a lasting impact on the global film scene.
