Introduction to Pilgrimage
Janus Films has secured all North American rights to the film Pilgrimage, directed by Carla Simón, known for her previous works Alcarràs and Summer 1993. The film had its competition premiere in Cannes and is set to make its North American debut at the New York Film Festival.
The Story of Pilgrimage
Pilgrimage follows the story of 18-year-old Marina, who is traveling to the Atlantic coast of Spain for the first time to meet her grandparents on her father’s side. Marina’s parents were drug addicts who died of AIDS, and she is trying to piece together their memories with stories from her relatives, who have secrets of their own. Like Simón’s debut film Summer 1993 and her Berlin Golden Bear winner Alcarràs, Pilgrimage is largely autobiographical, inspired by the director’s life and family.
The Inspiration Behind Pilgrimage
In an interview, Simón explained that the idea for Pilgrimage came from her frustration at not being able to know her parents’ history. After trying to research and interview friends and family, she found that "memory is very subjective" and that the pieces of her parents’ history never quite fit together. She decided to imagine and invent a large part of their story, saying that "this film comes more from this desire to build a story, to build my own identity." Through the film, Simón aimed to create a narrative that would help her understand her own history and identity.
Critical Reception
The Hollywood Reporter‘s main film critic, David Rooney, gave Pilgrimage a mixed review, describing it as "visually seductive" but also "meandering." Rooney praised Simón’s immersive portrayal of her painful family history, but noted that the film’s pace and narrative structure were sometimes uneven.
Production and Distribution
Pilgrimage is a Spanish-German co-production, produced by María Zamora, Olimpia Pont-Choper, and àngels Masclans. The film features cinematography by Hélène Louvart, known for her work on The Chimera and The Lost Daughter. Janus Films negotiated the deal with MK2 Films, which handles world sales. Janus has acquired several Cannes titles for release this year, including Magellan, Resurrection, The Love Remains, and Two Prosecutors.
Release Plans
Janus plans to release Pilgrimage in theaters next year, following its premiere at the New York Film Festival. The film is expected to generate significant interest and attention, given its autobiographical nature and Simón’s reputation as a rising talent in the film industry.
