Introduction to Birth
The film "Birth" has been gaining attention in the film industry, particularly after winning the Screen International Ecam Forum Award. This award highlights projects with international co-production and festival scope. The project was selected by Screen at the ECAM forum industry in Madrid, which took place from June 10th to 13th.
The Story Behind Birth
"Birth" is a magical realistic story that explores themes of trauma, violence, and redemption. The film is the second feature by Chilenian filmmaker Francisca Alegría, following her previous work "The cow that sang a song into the future", which premiered at Sundance in 2022. The story follows a fisherman named Cristian, who struggles with alcoholism and abuses his partner Lorna. After discovering a dazzling light while diving, he disappears for months, only to return and find Lorna gone. He then works as a caregiver for a withdrawn woman, a former dancer who hides her face behind a mask.
Development Process
Quijote films began developing "Birth" with Alegría a year ago, with the support of Chilean development financing. The plan is to complete all co-production transactions by the end of 2025, secure financing in 2026, and start production at the beginning of the Chilean summer. The film’s budget is expected to be around $2 million, with a likely international lineup.
Exploring Themes of Violence and Redemption
Alegría, who is also a writer, director, and co-producer, aims to explore the topic of violence and violence against women in "Birth". She feels a great sense of responsibility in tackling this sensitive subject, which many people have experienced or witnessed. The film’s use of magical realism allows for a unique perspective on these themes, blending metaphysical and surreal events with the characters’ realities.
Inspiration and Future Projects
Alegría was inspired to write the story after meeting a fisherman in northern Chile. She will continue to develop the script once her work is completed on the upcoming Prime Video series "The House of Spirits", based on Isabel Allende’s best-selling novel. Alegría is working on the film alongside Fernanda Urrejola and Andrés Wood as a writer, director, and showrunner, with Allende and Eva Longoria as producers.
International Co-Production and Recognition
The ECAM forum played a significant role in promoting "Birth" to potential co-production partners. Giancarlo Nasi, the producer of the film, praised the forum for providing the opportunity to increase the project’s international reach and work with a Spanish partner. The film’s participation in the forum led to advanced discussions with a Spanish production company, as well as other potential partners from regions in Spain and Europe. With its unique blend of magical realism and thought-provoking themes, "Birth" is poised to make a significant impact in the film industry.
