22/05/2007

Headed by Massimo Saidel, Spanish sales outfit Latido Film is attracting international buyers to Carlos Saura’s musical film Fados [+see also:
trailer
film profile], already sold to a dozen territories, including France (TF1) and Benelux (Cinemien).

The Spanish master’s latest installement in his musical cycle, begun 15 years ago with Sevillanas, captures the roots of Fado music and dance, from its African and Brazil origins to the new wave of modern Fadistas. Produced by Carlos’ son Antonio Saura for Zebra Producciones, the film was also grabbed by the former Yugoslavia (MCF), Spain (Wanda), Canada (K Amerique) Brazil (Europa Film) and Turkey, with Italy in negotiations.

The event movie was not, unfortunately, ready for Cannes, so Saidel is now eyeing another major festival for its international launch.

Small Lives by Enrique Gabriel, set to start shooting in July, was bought by Greece (Ama) and Switzerland and will be released by Alta Film in Spain (partner to two of Latido’s founding companies, Tornasol and Continental). El cuerno de la abundancia by the Cuban director of Fresa y Chocolate, Juan Carlos Tabio, was sold to CNC for Benelux, while Brussels-based Victory acquired El Metodo and Viva Cuba [+see also:
trailer
film profile]

“All the buyers are here but they are very selective,” stressed Saidel. “Today to sell arthouse films we need festivals to create a buzz or event films like Fados or the animated De Profundis [+see also:
trailer
film profile], which will soon screen in Valencia at the oceanographic museum with a symphonic orchestra.”