Chile’s Néstor Cantillana has been a triple menace on the Guadalajara Movie Fest (FICG), starring in two pics in addition to “Hidden Island,” a sequence penned by worldwide sci fi phenomenon Julio Rojas. Cantillana can also be creating his second directorial outing with the quick, ‘Humedal.”

“This has been my first time at a pageant with two movies and a sequence, all so completely different—from characters to visible model to the distinctive voices of younger Chilean administrators. I’m grateful to be right here and to really feel the love from the folks in Guadalajara,” Cantillana informed Selection.

Taking part in FICG’s sequence showcase the place its pilot episode performed, sci fi thriller “Hidden Island” (“Isla oculta”), co-written by Rojas, Juan M. Dartizio and Felipe Carmona (“Jail in tghe Andes”), facilities on a detective who returns to her hometown in southern Chile to analyze the disappearance of a Mexican archeologist who was trying to find the legendary Friendship Island.

Rojas is finest recognized for his acclaimed audio sequence, “Caso 63,” the most well-liked Latin American podcast and starring Cantillana. He additionally served as story editor on Lucía Puenzo’s “La Jauría,” and author on Pablo Fendrik’s “El Refugio” and Matías Bize’s “The Lifetime of Fish,” chosen by Selection in 2020 as one of many 10 finest international movies within the final decade nonetheless with out U.S. distribution.

“There’s been nice curiosity on this Chilean-Mexican co-production, and the collaboration between artists from each nations has been fantastic,” stated Cantillana.

The 2 pics are Chilean movie “Cuerpo Celeste,” directed by Nayra Ilic García, which had its world premiere at Tribeca and now vies for the Premio Mayahuel in FICG’s Ibero-American official competitors, and style pic, “Patio de Chacales.”

“’Cuerpo Celeste’ is an intimate, transferring coming-of-age movie a few 15-year-old woman. I act alongside Daniela Ramírez because the dad and mom. The response has been simply as heartfelt – audiences are deeply moved and keep after screenings to ask questions, which is gorgeous,” stated Cantillana in regards to the household drama set in post-Pinochet 1990 Chile.

Competing in FICG’s new style aggressive part, “Patio de Chacales,” directed by Diego Figueroa, was awarded finest debut characteristic on the Tallinn Black Nights Fest in Estonia.

Set throughout Chile’s bloody dictatorship, Raúl, a quiet model-maker, finds consolation within the calm of his neighborhood. However every part adjustments when mysterious new neighbors arrive, setting off a wave of worry and violence that leaves lasting scars.

“With its psychological suspense and horror, ‘Patio de Chacales’ has left a robust impression. Although there are not any monsters, the fear lies in what’s unseen and unstated—and that’s labored rather well,” noticed Cantillana.

His second quick movie, which he plans to direct in November is tentatively titled “Humedal” and follows his debut quick, “Igor,” which he shot some years in the past in Stockholm and Santiago, Chile.

“’Humedal’ tells the story of Aurora, a 50-year-old college professor who’s been widowed for a yr and has discovered a singular strategy to hold connecting along with her deceased husband. However now, it’s time to let go and transfer on,” he defined.

Set in Valdivia, Cantillana will likely be working with actors from each Valdivia and Santiago. “Aurora will likely be performed by Aline Kuppenheim [“Chile ’76”], and one of many distinctive elements of this undertaking is that I’ll be directing and appearing – I’ll play Carlos, Aurora’s late husband.

“It’s a darkish comedy that explores demise, love, and the complexity of relationships. There’s humor, a contact of disappointment and melancholy, and echoes of ‘Dona Flor and Her Two Husbands’ — that mix of fantasy with deeper, existential themes like grief, intimacy, and closure,” stated Cantillana.

Cantillana is repped by Constanza Enviornment’s Agencia La Luz. “It’s an honor to help Néstor on his worldwide journey as an artist, and to assist elevate his work – not simply as a multifaceted actor, but additionally as a director,” stated Enviornment who lately signed Peruvian actor Rodrigo Palacios and Brazilian actress Denise Weinberg.