Heretic Secures International Rights for Valentina Maurel's New Film Ahead of Cannes Premiere
Heretic has successfully acquired the global distribution rights for "Forever Your Maternal Animal," the eagerly anticipated new cinematic work from director Valentina Maurel. This marks a continued collaboration between the sales agent and Maurel, whose previous film, "I Have Electric Dreams," also garnered international attention. The upcoming feature is slated for its world premiere in the prestigious Un Certain Regard section at the Cannes Film Festival, a significant platform for showcasing emerging and established filmmaking talent.
The distribution landscape for "Forever Your Maternal Animal" is already taking shape, with Cinéart securing the rights for the Benelux region and JHR Films set to release the movie in France. This early commitment from key distributors underscores the film's strong market appeal and the anticipation surrounding Maurel's latest project. Heretic's decision to back Maurel once again highlights their confidence in her distinct artistic vision and her ability to craft compelling narratives that resonate with international audiences.
The narrative of "Forever Your Maternal Animal" centers on Elsa, who returns to Costa Rica after years of European education. Upon her return, she finds her younger sister increasingly withdrawn and introspective, while their parents are absorbed in their own private worlds. The film promises a poignant exploration of familial relationships, focusing on the nuanced dynamics between closeness and estrangement, where the boundaries between reality, memory, and unspoken desires become fluid. This thematic depth is a hallmark of Maurel's storytelling, suggesting a film rich in emotional complexity and psychological insight.
Valentina Maurel, a Franco-Costa Rican filmmaker based in Costa Rica, has a distinguished academic background in cinema, having graduated from INSAS in Brussels. Her talent was recognized early in her career when her graduation film, "Paul Is Here," won a top prize at the Cinéfondation selection of the Cannes Film Festival in 2017. Her short film, "Lucía en el limbo," filmed in Costa Rica, also premiered at Critics' Week at Cannes in 2019, was screened at the Toronto Film Festival, and received the first prize at the Guanajuato Film Festival. These accolades, culminating in the Locarno Film Festival premiere of her debut feature "I Have Electric Dreams" in 2022, firmly establish Maurel as a significant voice in contemporary world cinema.
Ioanna Stais, head of sales and acquisitions at Heretic, expressed immense pride in continuing their partnership with Maurel, praising her unique voice and the emotional precision evident in her work. Stephan Depotter, co-CEO of Cinéart, lauded Maurel's exceptional talent in eliciting authentic and nuanced performances, and her remarkable ability to convey complex emotions with subtlety. Jane Roger, co-founder of JHR Films, echoed these sentiments, noting the film's singular perspective on family and desire, which she described as both clear-eyed and deeply sensitive. The film is a collaborative production between Belgium, France, and Mexico, with Benoît Roland and Grégoire Debailly producing, and Nicolás Celis serving as co-producer, bringing together diverse creative forces.
This upcoming film, "Forever Your Maternal Animal," promises to be a deeply moving and artistically significant addition to Valentina Maurel's growing body of work. It is anticipated to captivate audiences at the Cannes Film Festival and beyond, further solidifying Maurel's reputation as a filmmaker with a profound understanding of human relationships and the subtle emotional currents that define them.
