The highly anticipated drama “La Cocina,” directed by Alonso Ruizpalacios and starring Rooney Mara and Raul Briones, has been acquired by boutique movie distributor Mubi for exclusive streaming in the U.S. starting May 2. The film, described by Variety as a “chaotic symphony of nearly two dozen characters,” mixes biting social critique with stylistic bravura in a black and white kitchen setting based on the 1957 play “The Kitchen” by Arnold Wesker.
Premiering at the 2024 Berlinale and nominated for best director and best cinematography at the 2025 Film Independent Spirit Awards, “La Cocina” was shot on location in New York City and Mexico City. The film has garnered critical acclaim at international film festivals and has won several awards, including the Barrière Prize at the 2024 Deauville Film Festival and multiple awards at the 2024 Havana Film Festival.
“We are thrilled that ‘La Cocina’ has found a streaming home at Mubi, a platform that champions visionary filmmaking and auteurs like Alonso,” said Elizabeth Woodward, founder and CEO of the film’s U.S. distributor, Willa. The film was released in the U.S. last fall alongside an impact campaign with One Fair Wage and is currently available for rent or purchase on TVOD platforms.
Ruizpalacios, known for his work on Disney’s “Andor,” directed the film, which is a co-production of Filmadora in partnership with Panorama, Fifth Season, Astrakan Film AB, and Seine Pictures. The production was led by producers Ramiro Ruiz, Gerardo Gatica, Lauren Mann, and Ivan Orlic. International sales are being handled by HanWay.
With its captivating storytelling and stellar performances, “La Cocina” promises to be a must-watch for cinephiles. Stay tuned for its streaming release on Mubi and continue to follow its international theatrical rollout across Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East.
