THE HEIRESSES IN COMPETITION AT THE BERLINALE
The Sørfond-supported film The Heiresses by Marcelo Martinessi have been invited to the Competition of the 68th edition of the Berlin International Film Festival.
The Heiresses (original title Las Herederas) was supported by Sørfond in 2016, and is a co-production between Paraguay, Germany, Uruguay, Norway, Brazil and France, with main producer La Babosa Cine in Paraguay.
The Norwegian co-producer Hilde Berg from Norsk Filmproduksjon AS is happy and proud to be selected for the Competition in Berlin:
“We are so happy that The Heiresses will premiere at the Berlinale. This is Marcelo Martinessi’s feature film debut, and is the first international feature film Sebastian Peña Escobar from La Babosa Cine produces. This is also the first time Paraguay is the main producer of an international feature film,” Berg explains.
“Paraguay is a young film nation and production is limited by several reasons. The support from Norway and Sørfond has been essential to having the film realized. The Heiresses is a strong story that immediately captured us, and we are extremely proud of the result,” she continues.
Producer Sebastian Peña Escobar also comments on the collaboration with Sørfond;
"Sørfond's support was of most importance to us for two main reasons: it was key for the film’s strategy produced by a country with a burgeoning cinema industry that faces many financial challenges, and because a Sørfond grant implies there is a certain political subtext in the film that was able to come to the surface of the story.”
About The Heiresses
Chela and Chiquita, both descended from wealthy families in Asunción, Paraguay, have been together for over 30 years. But recently their financial situation has worsened and they begin selling off their inherited possessions. But when their debts lead to Chiquita being imprisoned on fraud charges, Chela is forced to face a new reality. Driving for the first time in years, she begins to provide a local taxi service to a group of elderly wealthy ladies. As Chela settles into her new life, she encounters the much younger Angy, forging a fresh and invigorating new connection. Chela finally begins to break out of her shell and engage with the world, embarking on her own personal, intimate revolution.
About Martinessi
Paraguayan director and screenwriter. Studied communication at the Catholic University of Asunción and cinema at the London Film School. His short films that revolve around literature and memory have been shown at the Berlinale, Clermont Ferrand, Kinoforum among other festivals. He was executive director of the first public TV in his country from the beginning of the project in 2010 until the coup d'état of June 2012. Capturing his nation’s trauma during that political chaos he wrote and directed La Voz Perdida, Best Short Film at Venice Film Festival in 2016.
The Berlinale
The Berlinale is one of the most important dates for the international film industry. More than 334,000 sold tickets, more than 21,000 professional visitors from 127 countries, including more than 3,700 journalists.
The 68th Berlin International Film Festival is held from 15th to 25th February 2018.
Read more here.