Florencia Larrea, a prominent Chilean producer known for her work on “My Tender Matador,” has recently launched a new film production company called 500 Cinema. The company is based in the coastal town of Viña del Mar, a departure from the typical hub of Santiago. Larrea, along with her partners, aims to bring a fresh perspective to the industry from their new location.
500 Cinema is the film production arm of 500 Nanómetros, an innovative media agency founded by Antonia Valenzuela and Valentina Ripamonti. Larrea transitioned to this new venture after leaving Forastero, taking on the role of creative director at 500 Nanómetros. She saw in her partners a shared vision for developing innovative narrative projects, combining her catalog with their expertise in project development and management.
The emergence of female-led companies like 500 Cinema reflects a shift in the industry, with more women taking on key roles in previously male-dominated professions. The #metoo movement has played a part in empowering women to pursue careers in various aspects of filmmaking, including directing, writing, cinematography, sound design, and editing.
500 Cinema’s debut project is “Summer Hit” (“El Tema del Verano”), a zombie film directed by Uruguayan filmmaker Pablo Stoll. The film is set to premiere at the Sitges Film Festival and has already generated buzz with its unique blend of genres, including romcom, heist film, and zombie horror. The story follows a group of characters navigating a post-pandemic world where the dead refuse to stay dead.
Stoll’s inspiration for “Summer Hit” stemmed from a conversation with Larrea years ago, leading to the realization of a long-held desire to create a zombie film. The project represents a culmination of Stoll’s passion for genre cinema, influenced by the films he grew up watching and his own experiences as a filmmaker.
The cast of “Summer Hit” features a talented ensemble of actors, including Azul Fernández, Malena Villa, Débora Nishimoto, Sebastian Iturria, and Agustín Silva. The film also includes a special appearance by Uruguayan actor-director Daniel Hendler, adding to the depth of talent involved in the production.
“Summer Hit” is a co-production involving 500 Cinema, Stoll’s Temperamento Films, and Nadador Cine from Uruguay. The collaboration brings together a wealth of experience and creativity, promising an exciting addition to the world of genre cinema.
Overall, 500 Cinema’s launch and the debut of “Summer Hit” mark a significant step forward for female-led production companies in South America. With a focus on pushing creative boundaries and challenging conventional storytelling, Larrea and her team are poised to make a lasting impact on the industry.
