Journey Through a Continent on the Cusp of Change
A New Cinematic Voyage: 'The Indies' Joins Venice Days Lineup
MoreThan Films, a prominent sales entity based in Barcelona, has officially acquired the distribution rights for the historical drama 'Les Indes' (The Indies). This feature film, marking the directorial debut of Pauline Julier and Nicolas Chapoulier, is slated to make its world premiere at the esteemed Giornate Degli Autori, also known as Venice Days, a section of the Venice Film Festival. The narrative promises a compelling exploration of European history through a unique lens.
The Perilous Mission: A Painting's Journey for Peace
Drawing inspiration from historical events, 'Les Indes' is a collaborative production between Spain's Lastor Media, known for 'Alcarràs,' and Switzerland's Alina Film, producers of 'The Currents.' The story centers on Alejandro, a young Spanish nobleman portrayed by Théo Urtubey. Alongside two French soldiers, played by Raphaël Thiéry and Lazare Minoungou, Alejandro undertakes the critical task of transporting a portrait of Maria Theresa, the Infanta of Spain, to King Louis XIV of France. This journey, set in 1652, aims to solidify a delicate alliance between the two powerful nations, traversing a continent scarred by ongoing conflicts.
Europe in Transition: A Historical Crossroads
The film immerses viewers in 17th-century Europe, a pivotal era witnessing the decline of medieval structures and the emergence of modern thought. As articulated by directors Julier and Chapoulier, this period was characterized by the ascent of scientific inquiry, rationalism, and commercial expansion. It was a time when the world transitioned from being merely explored to actively being conquered, with figures like Galileo opening new intellectual horizons, and mercantilism laying the groundwork for capitalism. This backdrop of societal transformation, marked by widespread uprisings due to heavy taxation and poverty, forms the challenging landscape through which the protagonists navigate.
MoreThan Films' Vision: A Contemporary Reflection on History
Queralt Pons Serra, managing partner at MoreThan Films, expressed profound admiration for 'Les Indes,' highlighting its capacity to transform a historical event into a pertinent commentary on power, imagery, and humanity's connection with the natural world. Serra emphasized that the film transcends simple historical reenactment, using the past as a conduit to understand the genesis of contemporary society. The film's distinctive visual narrative and contemplative approach resonate deeply, making it a valuable addition to their catalog due to its challenging, rewarding, and lasting impact on audiences.
A Continuing Partnership: Collaboration with Alina Film
Lidia Damatto, another managing partner at MoreThan Films, noted that 'Les Indes' signifies their second collaborative venture with Alina Film. Their prior successful partnership on 'Hanami,' a film that garnered significant attention at Locarno in 2024, demonstrates a shared commitment to quality. Damatto conveyed satisfaction in continuing to work with producers who consistently deliver exceptional projects and align with their collaborative philosophy and market strategy for arthouse cinema. The film was previously showcased as a work-in-progress at the ECAM Forum co-production market in Madrid and has since secured Swiss distribution through Sister Distribution, signaling strong industry confidence.