Berlin-bound Colombian doc ‘Transferiana’ acquired by MPM Premium
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Paris-based MPM Premium has snapped up international sales rights to the French-Colombian documentary “Transferiana” ahead of its world premiere in the Berlinale’s Panorama section.
French director-cinematographer Joris Lachaise’s documentary explores the unusual collaboration between Colombian guerrilla group FARC and Colombia’s trans activist movement that led to changes in local laws.
A TV version running for 1.5 hours was acquired by the European culture TV channel, Arte.
Namaskar exclusively in a trailer diversity, It begins by introducing Jason Murillo as a political prisoner and FARC guerrilla member. He describes how trans Laura was transferred to his prison compound where they met and formed a relationship. He is ostracized by his group but this inspires him even more to fight for change. The historic peace agreement between the government and Farc paved the way for change, with both marginalized communities finding common ground in their struggle for their rights. “We are warriors and agents of social transformation. We are people who defend the utopia we believe in,” said Murillo.
“This is a powerful and influential documentary that chronicles the key victories that the trans collective took over from the FARC and received reparations from the Colombian state, which is known to be very conservative,” said MPM Premium’s Quentin Worthington.
“We immediately fell for this unusual romance between a FARC soldier and a former trans sex worker,” he commented: “Also, the modern and progressive approach to Colombian politics immediately convinced us that there was something new to say about the film. New Powers in Latin America playing.”
“Our company is passionate about Latin American films and documentaries,” said Worthington, adding that a notable recent pickup was Paraguay’s Paz Encina’s “Eami,” which won an IFFR Tiger Award in 2022.
MPM Premium used 2020’s Ventana Sur market to unveil “The Pink Cloud” from Brazil’s Iuli Gerbase, which was a hit at the Sundance Festival.
Other past acquisitions include Flavia Neves’ Brazilian film “Fagaru,” Matias Mariani’s “Shine Your Eyes” (which was sold to Netflix), Diego Friede’s Argentine thriller “The Silent Party” and Lucas’ “The Fall of the Queens.” Turturro, and Chile’s “El Hombre del Futuro” by Felipe Rios.
“We are particularly interested in highlighting strong stories from the Latin American continent, whose young talented directors can find a home with their first feature under our ‘New Vision’ label,” noted Worthington.
The 73rd Berlin Film Festival runs from February 16-26
