Latest news with #MovistarPlus+
Yahoo
10-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Pedro Almodóvar's Next Movie ‘Bitter Christmas' Set for Spanish Theaters and Streamer Movistar Plus+
Pedro Almodóvar has found his next project. The auteur is now at work on 'Bitter Christmas' for Spanish streaming platform Movistar Plus+. Almodóvar also collaborated with the platform on his English-language feature debut, 'The Room Next Door.' 'Bitter Christmas,' or 'Amarga Navidad,' stars a slew of Almodóvar newcomers and staples, including Bárbara Lennie ('Petra'), Leonardo Sbaraglia ('Pain and Glory'), Aitana Sánchez-Gijón ('Parallel Mothers'), Victoria Luengo ('The Room Next Door'), Patrick Criado ('Riot Police'), Milena Smit ('Parallel Mothers'), and Quim Gutiérrez ('Darkbluealmostblack'). The film will be released in Spanish theaters in 2026, with Warner Bros. Pictures Spain distributing. It will then debut exclusively on the Movistar Plus+ platform. More from IndieWire Studio Ghibli at 40: Can an Ethical Animation Studio Still Exist, or Even Survive? 'Eddington' Trailer: Ari Aster's Western of Pandemic Paranoia Hits Theaters After Dividing Cannes IndieWire has reached out to Almodóvar's representatives for details about a possible U.S. release, though it can be assumed Sony Pictures Classics will release the film in North America, as it has all of Almodóvar's recent outings. We're told that festival play and a U.S. release will take place before the Movistar+ premiere. 'Bitter Christmas' centers on advertising director Elsa, now mourning the loss of her mother over a December holiday weekend. The official synopsis, as shared by Variety, reads: 'She throws herself into work as a form of escape, not realizing she's denying herself the time to grieve. Her relentless pace is interrupted when a panic attack forces her to take a break. Her partner, Bonifacio, becomes her anchor in this moment of crisis. Elsa decides to travel to the island of Lanzarote with her friend Patricia, who is also looking to get away from Madrid, while Bonifacio stays behind in the city. The story of these three characters, and several others, runs parallel to that of screenwriter and film director Raúl Durán, intertwining fiction and reality. 'Bitter Christmas' explores how life and fiction are inseparably linked, sometimes painfully so.' The project is currently filming in Madrid and Lanzarote. Almodóvar and his brother, Agustín Almodóvar, produce through their El Deseo banner in collaboration with Movistar Plus+. Almodóvar won the 2024 Venice Film Festival Golden Lion for 'The Room Next Door,' distributed stateside by Sony Pictures Classics. 'I was very concerned about the English,' Almodóvar told IndieWire about his first film in English. 'We wanted an English that should sound American. My films have never been naturalistic. I have never aspired to the mumbling or babbling or pausing or some of those things that happen in regular language. I like my language to be concentrated and precise. In Spanish, it has worked well.' Best of IndieWire Guillermo del Toro's Favorite Movies: 56 Films the Director Wants You to See 'Song of the South': 14 Things to Know About Disney's Most Controversial Movie Nicolas Winding Refn's Favorite Films: 37 Movies the Director Wants You to See
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Javier Bardem, Penelope Cruz & Pedro Almodovar Among Stars Signing Open Letter In Support Of Exiting Movistar Exec Domingo Corral
Pedro Almodóvar, Javier Bardem and Penélope Cruz have signed an open letter expressing support for departing Movistar Plus+ content chief Domingo Corral. It was announced last week that Corral would be exiting his role as Director of Fiction & Entertainment at the Telefónica-owned streamer – news that followed a spate of other major management changes. More from Deadline Penélope Cruz & Javier Bardem To Play Married Couple On Rocky Terrain In Florian Zeller's Psychological Thriller 'Bunker'; FilmNation Launches Cannes Market Hot Project Pedro Almodóvar Blasts Donald Trump As "The Greatest Mistake Of Our Time" As Director Accepts Lincoln Center Award Pedro Almodóvar To Receive 50th Chaplin Award From Film At Lincoln Center; Dua Lipa And John Waters Among Presenters The surprise announcement has now led 144 Spanish entertainment industry professionals to put their name to the open letter, which was reported in several local news outlets. 'In light of Domingo Corral's departure as director of fiction and entertainment at Movistar+, after 10 years working to bring Spanish film and series to the top of the national and international audiovisual scene, we would like to express our deepest gratitude to him and his entire team,' the letter begins. 'During a decade that has been revolutionary in the sector, thanks also to Telefónica's commitment to the creation of original content, Domingo Corral and his entire team have championed an idea: A project based on respect for creators, close collaboration with independent producers and listening to all the partners they have worked with, without ever neglecting their focus on entertainment. 'The achievements of their series and fiction projects, endorsed by critics and audiences, are evident. They have created series and produced films that are now part of Spain's audiovisual legacy and have won, year after year, the most prestigious audiovisual awards in Spain and abroad.' Corral had joined Movistar Plus+ in 2014 and oversaw its move into scripted originals. He was promoted to his current role in 2023, as his power at telecoms provider Telefónica grew. However, his exit closely followed Marc Murtra being named Telefónica's President in January and Daniel Domenjó installed as Movistar Plus+ CEO two months later. 'In addition to greatly benefiting the industrial fabric of the sector over these 10 years and helping to provide opportunities for new voices, Domingo Corral's team has also been an example for many of us when it comes to how to approach projects,' the latter added. 'Their dedication, honesty, and transparency have made this possible. #ThankYouDomingoCorral.' The signatories include Cannes Critics' Week Jury President Rodrigo Sorogoyen, Javier Cámara, Paco León, Alauda Ruiz de Azúa, whose Movistar Plus+ series Querer was among Spain's most talked about and critically acclaimed of 2024, and Alejandro Amenábar, whose series La Fortuna for the streamer launched recently. On the scripted side, Corral is being replaced by Jorge Pezzi, the former CEO of Spanish production house Boomerang TV, while ex-ITV Studios Iberia exec producer Hugo Tomás will take on non-fiction and entertainment. El País reports that the open letter is a request to the new bosses to keep up the standards Corral and his team have set with series such as Querer and Javier Calvo and Javier Ambrossi (the Javis)'s La Mesias. The company currently has projects in place with Sorogoyen, the Javis and Alberto Rodríguez, along with Cannes competition title Sirat, which is directed by Oliver Laxe. Movistar Plus+ couldn't be contacted before press time today. We've reached out to reps for Bardem, Cruz and Almodovar. Best of Deadline Book-To-Movie Adaptations Coming Out In 2025 TV Show Book Adaptations Arriving In 2025 So Far Everything We Know About 'Emily In Paris' Season 5 So Far
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Movistar Plus+ Pledges Commitment To Independent Film After Domingo Corral's Shock Exit
EXCLUSIVE: There was an outpouring of emotion and concern when it was revealed that Domingo Corral, Director of Fiction & Entertainment at Spain's Movistar Plus+, was leaving the Spanish company, but the streamer's head of cinema has moved to assuage fears. Addressing the news, which sent shockwaves through the Spanish industry, Movistar Plus+'s Head of Original Films & Spanish Cinema, Guillermo Farré, told Deadline the powerful local player will stay the course when it comes to original film. More from Deadline Cannes Film Festival 2025: Read All Of Deadline's Movie Reviews Bi Gan's 'Resurrection' Hits Cannes With 7-Minute Ovation At World Premiere 'Resurrection' Review: Bi Gan's Dream Scenario Is The Perfect Cure For Insomnia - Cannes Film Festival 'The goal is clear, the direction of what Domingo started works on many different levels,' he said. 'It works in terms of the numbers that we have, and it's a clear model to create movies and series that resonate in a very crowded world.' After it emerged the long-serving Corral was unexpectedly leaving, an open letter, signed by almost 150 Spanish industry names such as heavyweights Pedro Almodóvar, Javier Bardem and Penélope Cruz, thanked Corral and his team for championing high-end original film and TV. The signatories also asked for those efforts to continue and standards be maintained. Farré has now offered those assurances, while admitting the recent exec upheaval has been emotional for everyone. 'Domingo has created a culture in Movistar Plus+ with a project that has been amazing for many years,' he said. 'I'm heartbroken that this happened, but these things happen in big companies. I expect that it will take some time until the pieces of the puzzle adjust, but I'm very confident that the vision is clear; the projects are working, and there is a path to continue in that direction.' Amid the glitz and glamor of the Cote d'Azur, Movistar Plus+'s commitment to original film will be welcome news in Spain and beyond. In comments that will resonate with cineastes and industry folk alike, Farré also discussed the importance of theatrical as part of the Movistar Plus+ film strategy, and unpacked how it will continue to lean into filmmaker-driven fare with commercial appeal. The company also shared details of La Bola Negra at Cannes, the latest from red-hot duo Javier Calvo and Javier Ambrossi. Cannes Contender: Deadline was speaking to Farré in the packed lobby of Cannes' Gray d'Albion hotel a couple of days after Sirât has had its red-carpet moment a little further along the Croisette. Óliver Laxe's film was one of two Spanish titles in competition this year, alongside Carla Simón's Romería. It's a feather in the cap of the Telefónica-owned company and goes a long way to validate its investment in an auteur-driven slate that also includes Los Tigres from Alberto Rodríguez, Alauda Ruiz de Azúa's Los Domingos, and Cinco Minutos Más, starring and written by Berto Romero and helmed by Javier Ruiz Calder. Farré recalled that the signs were good after the Cannes festival team first screened Sirât. 'They couldn't tell us right away that it was in competition, but we had the sense that they understood the movie, they understood the proposal, and they liked the radicality of it,' he said. 'It's a movie that is going to generate a lot of passion in one way or another and they understood that. When we knew that the film was selected in competition, the first thing that I felt was a lot of pride for Óliver, his work, his commitment, and because he's made an amazing film.' Sirât follows a father (Sergi López) and his son, who arrive at a remote rave deep in the mountains of southern Morocco to look for Mar, daughter and sister, who has been missing for months. A Theatrical Strategy Movistar Plus+ original films are released in theaters and drop on the streamer four months later. The plan is to generate maximum impact before a title bows on the streamer, where it will compete for eyeballs with myriad other movies and series. Amid the never-ending debate about whether films should play in movie theaters before launching on streaming, Farré said that, for Movistar Plus+, a theatrical release is simply good business. 'I love the cinema experience myself, but this [strategy] is not for romantic reasons,' he added. 'We see the data. When a film performs in theaters, it has a direct effect on how it performs on Movistar Plus+. It's crystal clear that there is no cannibalization. It's the other way around. 'Maybe if we released 50 movies per year, we would have a different approach, but in our current approach, which is more boutique, the theatrical experience is the key thing that starts everything.' Accordingly, the streamer is working with a variety of sales agents: The Match Factory for Sirât, Film Factory for Los Tigres, and Goodfellas for El Ser Querido and La Bola Negra. 'We live in a moment where there are so many choices that the most likely scenario when you release a movie is that it gets lost in a sea of different options,' said Farré. 'We believe in strong voices, strong ideas and strong stories, but always hand-in-hand with the ambition to reach the public. We don't believe in niche stories, we believe in unique stories with personality that have the potential to reach a big audience.' These filters apply to what gets made, he added: 'We end up choosing directors and screenwriters that have a unique voice and can say something different.' Rodrigo Sorogoyen collaborations One of those unique voices is Rodrigo Sorogoyen. His film El Ser Querido, starring Javier Bardem and Vicky Luengo as a film director and his estranged actress daughter making a movie together, is another title on the steamer's 2025 slate. It builds on an existing relationship with the writer-director, Farré explained. 'He did Antidisturbios with us and then he made The New Years, and we wanted to be his home. Now he's doing El Ser Querido, and we are in the editing step of the of the process and it looks amazing. In every single project, he challenges himself and he challenges us, so it's a very fruitful relationship in the sense that he always wants to push forward. He doesn't rely on any previous formula and it's super exciting because that's exactly what we want.' Soon after the Sirât premiere, Movistar Plus+ announced details of La Bola Negra from Javier Calvo and Javier Ambrossi, who also go by Los Javis. They are considered the hottest next-generation creatives in Spanish film and TV, and Farré said they are a generational talent. 'There is an overuse of this word, but they are visionaries,' he added. Speaking about their new project, he said: 'It's the most ambitious movie that we've done so far on many different levels, starting with the budget, but also because we are supporting two of the most important creative people in Spain right now.' Inspired by the life and work of poet and playwright Federico García Lorca, the film will unspool across three timelines, namely, modern-day Spain, and the country before and then during the Spanish Civil War. It stars singer-songwriter Guitarricadelafuente in his big-screen debut, alongside Penélope Cruz, Miguel Bernardeau and Lola Dueñas. 'It's about what it felt like to be rejected being a gay man in different moments during the history of Spain,' said Farré. 'It's a movie about identity, rejection, and the power of art and literature to change your life, all told with a unique and sensitive voice. It has a poetic side, but the way Los Javis write is very approachable. It's going to be a film that will be very easy to connect with.' In terms of a release schedule, Sirât will hit movie theaters in Spain soon after Cannes then Los Tigres launches in the fall. These will be followed by Los Domingos and El Ser Querido. Details of Movistar Plus+'s new film slate are expected in January and Farré signed off his chat with Deadline by offering some final words of reassurance amid the exec shuffles. As the industry calls on Movistar Plus+ to continue to invest in singular film and TV projects he said: 'The Movistar Plus+ model is going to continue that direction.' 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Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Penélope Cruz to Star in Los Javis' ‘La Bola Negra,' Acquired for Global Sales by Goodfellas
Penélope Cruz is set to star in 'La bola negra,' a new feature film written, directed and produced by celebrated Spanish filmmakers Javier Calvo and Javier Ambrossi, collectively known as Los Javis. The film is produced Movistar Plus+ and Suma Content Films in co-production with France's Le Pacte, with French sales company Goodfellas taking sales rights outside Spain and France, it was announced in Cannes on Monday. More from Variety MUV Capital, Retrato Filmes Set Trailblazing Partnership for Distribution in Brazil, Latin America (EXCLUSIVE) 'Urchin' Review: Harris Dickinson's Fine Directorial Debut Bridges Social Realism and Surrealism 'Slauson Rec' Review: A Documentary About Shia LaBeouf's Acting Class - and His Anger Issues - Is More Appalling Than Fascinating 'La bola negra' will premiere exclusively in cinemas in 2026 before arriving on Movistar Plus+ sometime later. Joining Cruz in the star-studded cast are Guitarricadelafuente, making his screen debut, Miguel Bernardeau ('Elite'), Carlos González ('Veneno') and acclaimed actress Lola Dueñas, known for her award-winning performances in 'The Sea Inside' and 'La Mesías.' 'We wrote Penelope's role specifically for her. Her humor and elegance make it a pleasure to work with her,' said Javier Calvo during the Cannes event. Inspired by Federico García Lorca's unfinished play 'La bola Negra' and 'La piedra oscura' by Alberto Conejero the film weaves together the lives of three men across three different time periods. Their stories are intimately connected through sexuality, desire, pain, and legacy. 'The creative process began with historical research, which we merged with a beautiful literary collaboration with Alberto Conejero,' said Javier Ambrossi. 'It includes elements of theater adaptation, imagination, and introspection, allowing us to infuse each plotline with our identity. It's incredibly exciting to present part of the cast here in Cannes, there are still many surprises to come.' 'Writing 'La bola negra' has been an emotional and complex experience,' added Calvo. 'We didn't feel like we were creating a story, but rather uncovering it, excavating characters, dialogue, and a wound that somehow always existed within us. It's a deeply personal text that reminds us why we do this work.' This is the first film from the Javis at Suma Content Films, the new cinematic division of Suma Content, the production company founded by Ambrossi and Calvo. Following the critical and award success of their series 'La Mesías,' which premiered at San Sebastián, screened at Sundance and won six Feroz Awards and three Forqué Awards, 'La bola Negra' marks a major return to feature filmmaking for the duo. Guillermo Farré, new head of original and Spanish cinema at Movistar Plus+, celebrated the announcement: 'We are thrilled to accompany Javier Ambrossi and Javier Calvo on this new journey. After the creative adventure of 'La Mesías,' this project represents a bold next step in their artistic path, one driven by a passion for great stories told in brave, singular ways.' 'We are incredibly proud to co-produce 'La bola negra',' said Jean Labadie, president of Le Pacte. ''La Mesías' completely won us over, and we were thrilled to receive the script. We committed immediately, captivated by its wit, intelligence, and emotional power.' From Goodfellas, whose Cannes 2025 lineup includes five official selection titles, the response was equally enthusiastic: 'We were absolutely blown away by 'La bola negra'. It's bold, cinematic, emotional, and visually striking, one of those films that grips you from the first scene. It confirms Ambrossi and Calvo as among the most vital voices in contemporary European cinema.' The film's production begins in August and will shoot across various locations in Spain and Europe. Returning behind-the-scenes collaborators from La Mesías include Gris Jordana (cinematography), Roger Bellés (art direction), Ana López Cobos (costume design) and Raül Refree (original score). Best of Variety New Movies Out Now in Theaters: What to See This Week Emmy Predictions: Talk/Scripted Variety Series - The Variety Categories Are Still a Mess; Netflix, Dropout, and 'Hot Ones' Stir Up Buzz Oscars Predictions 2026: 'Sinners' Becomes Early Contender Ahead of Cannes Film Festival
See - Sada Elbalad
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- See - Sada Elbalad
Penélope Cruz to Star in Los Javis' Next Movie "La Bola Negra"
Yara Sameh Penélope Cruz has signed on to star in 'La bola negra,' a new feature film written, directed and produced by celebrated Spanish filmmakers Javier Calvo and Javier Ambrossi, collectively known as Los Javis. The film is co-produced by Movistar Plus+, Suma Content FilmsFrance's Le Pacte, with French sales company Goodfellas taking sales rights outside Spain and France. 'La bola negra" was announced in Cannes on Monday and will premiere exclusively in cinemas in 2026 before arriving on Movistar Plus+ sometime later. The film boasts a star-studded cast that includes Miguel Bernardeau ('Elite'), Carlos González ('Veneno'), and acclaimed actress Lola Dueñas, known for her award-winning performances in 'The Sea Inside' and 'La Mesías.' Spanish singer-songwriter and guitarist Guitarricadelafuente will also make his screen debut in the feature. 'We wrote Penelope's role specifically for her. Her humor and elegance make it a pleasure to work with her,' said Javier Calvo. Inspired by Federico García Lorca's unfinished play 'La bola Negra' and 'La piedra oscura' by Alberto Conejero, the film weaves together the lives of three men across three different time periods. Their stories are intimately connected through sexuality, desire, pain, and legacy. 'The creative process began with historical research, which we merged with a beautiful literary collaboration with Alberto Conejero,' Javier Ambrossi said. 'It includes elements of theater adaptation, imagination, and introspection, allowing us to infuse each plotline with our identity. It's incredibly exciting to present part of the cast here in Cannes, there are still many surprises to come.' 'Writing 'La bola negra' has been an emotional and complex experience,' Calvo added. 'We didn't feel like we were creating a story, but rather uncovering it, excavating characters, dialogue, and a wound that somehow always existed within us. It's a deeply personal text that reminds us why we do this work.' 'La bola negra" is the first film from the Javis at Suma Content Films, the new cinematic division of Suma Content, the production company founded by Ambrossi and Calvo. Following the critical and award success of their series 'La Mesías,' which premiered at San Sebastián, screened at Sundance, and won six Feroz Awards and three Forqué Awards, 'La bola Negra' marks a major return to feature filmmaking for the duo. The film is set to begin production in August and will shoot across various locations in Spain and Europe. Returning behind-the-scenes collaborators from "La Mesías" are Gris Jordana (cinematography), Roger Bellés (art direction), Ana López Cobos (costume design), and Raül Refree (original score). read more New Tourism Route To Launch in Old Cairo Ahmed El Sakka-Led Play 'Sayidati Al Jamila' to Be Staged in KSA on Dec. 6 Mandy Moore Joins Season 2 of "Dr. Death" Anthology Series Don't Miss These Movies at 44th Cairo Int'l Film Festival Today Amr Diab to Headline KSA's MDLBEAST Soundstorm 2022 Festival Arts & Culture Mai Omar Stuns in Latest Instagram Photos Arts & Culture "The Flash" to End with Season 9 Arts & Culture Ministry of Culture Organizes four day Children's Film Festival Arts & Culture Canadian PM wishes Muslims Eid-al-Adha News Egypt confirms denial of airspace access to US B-52 bombers News Ayat Khaddoura's Final Video Captures Bombardment of Beit Lahia News Australia Fines Telegram $600,000 Over Terrorism, Child Abuse Content Arts & Culture Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban's $4.7M LA Home Burglarized Sports Former Al Zamalek Player Ibrahim Shika Passes away after Long Battle with Cancer Sports Neymar Announced for Brazil's Preliminary List for 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers News Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouly Inaugurates Two Indian Companies Arts & Culture New Archaeological Discovery from 26th Dynasty Uncovered in Karnak Temple Business Fear & Greed Index Plummets to Lowest Level Ever Recorded amid Global Trade War Arts & Culture Zahi Hawass: Claims of Columns Beneath the Pyramid of Khafre Are Lies
