Germany’s Weltfilm Boards Martín Boulocq’s ‘Criminal Body,’ a Work in Progress at Sanfic Industria (EXCLUSIVE)

Germany’s Weltfilm has boarded Bolivian filmmaker Martín Boulocq’s “Criminal Body,” a work in progress (WIP) at the Santiago Intl. Film Festival’s industry section run by festival co-founder Gabriela Sandoval.

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Founded in 2003 by Kristina Konrad and Christian Frosch, Weltfilm has participated in co-productions with Latin America, Africa and Europe, as it seeks to produce movies of all genres, including documentaries and arthouse pics with international appeal.

It joins co-producers comprising Boulocq’s CQ Films, Argentina’s Maravillacine and France’s L’Œil Vif.  The project recently secured three funds in France: CNC, Toulouse Métropole and Procirep-Angola.

In the film within a film also written by Boulocq, locals Miguel and Marcos are involved in the production of an American horror movie set in a sub-Andean forest. Miguel, a bodybuilder, takes on the role of the monster, while Marcos, a local farmer, provides his bulls for the shoot. Together, they navigate a bizarre and unfamiliar world.

“As with all of Martin’s films, this project offers a penetrating look at political and social issues. This time, the story is rich in subtlety and uniqueness. It tackles neocolonialism from a fresh angle, exploring cinema itself and its marginalized characters,” said producer Andrea Camponovo, Bouloucq’s founding partner in CQ Films.

“It also features a highly developed formal approach, pushing the boundaries of genres (horror, documentary and fiction) and showcasing meticulous staging and composition in every shot,” she added. Camponovo plays a producer in the film alongside actors Miguel Michel and Marco Mercado.

“Criminal Body” was selected as a Spotlighted Project at the Marché du Film’s Cannes Docs and has received funding from the IDFA Bertha Fund.

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Getting to Sanfic’s WIP program began at the WIP of the International Documentary Film Festival of Buenos Aires last year where it won the chance to take part in the Málaga WIP 2024. There, it earned the pass to Sanfic’s WIP program.

“I place great value on the contributions that co-productions between countries can bring to a project, not only in economic terms but, more importantly, in the creative collaboration between the parties involved. Such collaborations allow for a rich exchange of ideas and expertise, enhancing the overall quality and depth of the production. By leveraging the strengths and unique perspectives that each partner brings to the table, we can create truly exceptional films that resonate with diverse audiences,” Camponovo told Variety.

Boulocq, who studied cinematography in Jorge Sanjinés’ Andean School of Cinematography, burst onto the international stage at age 25 with his lauded debut feature, “The Most Beautiful of My Very Best Years” in 2005 where it played at major festivals including Locarno and San Sebastian. It was backed by L.A.-based indies Pretty Dangerous Films (renamed KNR Prods.) and Arrival Cinema, which boarded at the post-production phase. Rodrigo Bellott (“Sexual Dependency,” “White Llama”) served as an executive producer.

His latest film, 2022’s “The Visitor,” world premiered at Tribeca where it clinched the best screenplay award.

The 20 ^th Sanfic runs Aug. 18-25.

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