The highly anticipated film "El ser querido," a production from Spanish director Rodrigo Sorogoyen for Movistar Plus+, has finalized its North American distribution rights with the esteemed New York-based independent distributor Kino Lorber. This pivotal agreement, brokered by international sales agent Goodfellas, marks a significant milestone for the film, effectively securing its release across virtually every major global market. Kino Lorber, a company with a distinguished track record that includes an Academy Award win for Best Documentary in 2026 for "Mr. Nobody Against Putin," brings a wealth of experience and critical acclaim to the distribution of Sorogoyen’s latest work.
The successful negotiation with Kino Lorber comes on the heels of "El ser querido’s" prominent showcase at the Cannes Film Festival. The film competed for the prestigious Palme d’Or in the Official Competition, where it garnered considerable attention from international critics. Sorogoyen’s directorial prowess and the compelling performances of lead actors Javier Bardem and Victoria Luengo were particularly singled out for praise, setting a strong foundation for its subsequent global rollout.
A Strategic Global Rollout
The North American premiere of "El ser querido" is slated for September at the Toronto International Film Festival, a globally recognized platform for cinematic discovery and distribution. The film will be featured in the festival’s esteemed Special Presentations section, a curated program that highlights significant new films from filmmakers around the world. Following its Toronto debut, "El ser querido" is expected to embark on an extensive winter tour of North American festivals. These upcoming festival appearances, which will be announced in due course, are strategically positioned to build momentum and awareness leading into the crucial awards season.
The comprehensive global distribution strategy underscores the ambition and confidence placed in Sorogoyen’s latest cinematic offering. Beyond North America and Europe, deals have also been finalized with key distributors in Asia, Oceania, and Latin America, creating a truly international footprint for the film. This widespread availability aims to maximize its reach and cultural impact, allowing audiences worldwide to experience Sorogoyen’s distinctive vision.
Kino Lorber’s Vision and Sorogoyen’s Acknowledgment
Lisa Schwartz, Head of Distribution at Kino Lorber, expressed her unreserved enthusiasm for "El ser querido," stating, "’El ser querido’ immerses you in its world from the very first moments, and it becomes immediately evident that you are in the hands of a master of cinema. Javier Bardem and Victoria Luengo deliver extraordinary performances as father and daughter, and it is fascinating to witness how these two immensely talented actors measure up equally at every turn." This endorsement highlights the film’s profound emotional resonance and the caliber of its performances, qualities that Kino Lorber is renowned for championing.
Rodrigo Sorogoyen conveyed his profound satisfaction with the selection of Kino Lorber as his North American distributor, emphasizing the company’s independent ethos and commitment to the theatrical experience. "I am enormously pleased that the company Kino Lorber, 100% independent and with a total commitment to the importance of the cinema experience in theaters, will accompany our film in the USA," Sorogoyen stated. He further elaborated on the distributor’s discerning taste and curatorial expertise, noting, "The taste demonstrated throughout their career, their judgment, and their track record of bringing auteur international cinema to audiences, make us confident that ‘El ser querido’ is in the best possible hands."
Kino Lorber: A Legacy of Championing International Cinema
Kino Lorber’s reputation as a champion of auteur international cinema is well-earned. With over 45 years of industry experience and an average of 30 releases annually, the distributor has cultivated a discerning audience for critically acclaimed films that often push artistic boundaries. Since the year 2000, Kino Lorber has garnered 16 Academy Award nominations, a testament to their keen eye for identifying films with significant artistic merit and potential for critical and commercial success. Their extensive catalog boasts a diverse range of celebrated titles, including Yorgos Lanthimos’s "Dogtooth," Kaouther Ben Hania’s "Four Daughters," and Hany Abu-Assad’s "Omar." This history positions "El ser querido" within a prestigious lineage of international films that have found a dedicated audience in North America through Kino Lorber’s thoughtful distribution.
The agreement was formally concluded by Karoliina Dwyer, Vice President of Acquisitions at Kino Lorber, and Eva Diederix of Goodfellas, signifying the culmination of extensive negotiations and a shared vision for the film’s success.
European Success and a Global Network of Distributors
The positive reception of "El ser querido" is already evident in its strong performance in France, where distributor Le Pacte has reported over 200,000 admissions since its theatrical release. This figure not only signifies commercial success but also validates the growing international appeal of Sorogoyen’s work, building upon the precedent set by his critically acclaimed film "The Beasts" ("As bestas").
The expansive network of international distributors secured for "El ser querido" paints a comprehensive picture of its global reach. In addition to Kino Lorber in North America and Le Pacte in France, the film will be distributed by Curzon in the United Kingdom and Ireland, Movies Inspired in Italy, Alamode in Germany, TriArt in Scandinavia, Gutek Film in Poland, and Synapse in Latin America. Madman Entertainment will handle distribution in Australia and New Zealand, with Cherry Pickers covering Benelux, Cineworx in Switzerland, Aerofilms in the Czech Republic, M&M International in South Korea, and Falcon in Indonesia, among other territories. This meticulously assembled network of specialized distributors, all with a strong focus on theatrical releases and auteur cinema, ensures that "El ser querido" will be presented to audiences with the care and attention it deserves.
Production and Funding: A Collaborative Endeavor
"El ser querido" is a production of Original Movistar Plus+, a collaborative effort that underscores the platform’s commitment to supporting high-quality Spanish cinema. The film is coproduced by Caballo Films and El Ser Querido AIE, with Le Pacte also co-producing in France in association with Canal+. Financial backing for the project has been provided by the Spanish Institute of Cinematography and Audiovisual Arts (ICAA) and Creative Europe MEDIA, with additional support from the Institut Català de les Indústries Culturals and the Community of Madrid. This multifaceted funding structure highlights the collaborative nature of contemporary filmmaking and the importance of institutional support for artistic endeavors.
Sorogoyen’s Vision: Prioritizing the Theatrical Experience
Sorogoyen’s strategic approach to distribution emphasizes his commitment to ensuring "El ser querido" reaches audiences through theatrical releases rather than being relegated to the vast digital catalogs of streaming platforms. The extensive network of deals with respected international distributors signifies his dedication to the communal experience of cinema. The fact that a Spanish director is simultaneously securing distribution with prominent names like Kino Lorber, Curzon, and Madman speaks volumes about Sorogoyen’s current standing in the international film landscape. It positions "El ser querido" as a significant cultural export, with the potential to further elevate his profile and that of Spanish cinema on the global stage in the coming months. The film’s journey through major festivals and its subsequent theatrical releases worldwide are poised to solidify its place as a significant cinematic event.
0 Comments