Sideral Unveils Plans for “Los Relatos,” a Compelling Femicide Drama
Madrid-based Sideral, an innovative production, distribution, and sales label, is making waves in the film industry following its debut at the Berlinale in 2023. The company has announced an exciting new project: “Los Relatos,” a poignant drama centered on the theme of femicide, crafted by the talented Miguel del Arco. The film boasts a stellar cast, featuring Juan Diego Botto ("The Room Next Door"), Marta Etura ("Cell 211"), and Ainara Elejalde ("Mr. No One"). Sideral will manage both international sales and domestic distribution in Spain, marking an important milestone for the company.
Filming for “Los Relatos” is set to commence in September, with Aquí y Allí Films also participating in production. The film is anticipated to hit theaters in late 2024. “Los Relatos” delves deep into the enduring and painful aftermath of femicide, examining the ramifications more than two decades post-crime. The story follows Pablo, portrayed by Botto, who returns to his hometown after serving time for his wife’s murder—the very site of the tragedy. Viewers are left to ponder whether Pablo deserves a second chance, a privilege his victim will never experience.
Miguel del Arco expressed his thoughts on the project, stating, “Writing this script has kept me on a constant edge, forcing me to confront deep contradictions. Yet, the act of empathy is what makes us human. By stepping into another’s shoes, we can truly move forward as a society.” Roberto Butragueño of Sideral shared his confidence in del Arco and the cast, declaring, “’Los Relatos’ is a bold, necessary project filled with sensitivity.”
This gripping drama navigates the emotional and moral complexities that arise when a murderer confronts his past instead of fading into obscurity. It addresses the needs of victims and their families in their quest to reclaim dignity in the wake of violence. At its heart, the film explores the delicate balance between reintegration and justice, the potential for forgiving the unforgivable, and the journey toward redemption amidst irreparable harm.
Pedro Hernández from Aquí y Allí Films highlighted the film’s significance, saying, “What’s truly valuable about this film is the number of questions it raises. We aim for ‘Los Relatos’ to be an accessible proposal for audiences, while still delving into the human issues that provoke contradictions, doubts, and even rejection.”
Founded by Butragueño of Elamedia Estudios, Sideral made its debut with the feature project “Cheaper Than Stealing” at the Berlinale Co-Production Market two years ago. Since then, the company has launched a robust slate of 22 titles in various stages of production, distribution, or sales. Notable projects include Javier Rebollo’s “In the Sultan’s Bedchamber” and “I Have Electric Dreams” by Valeria Maurel, a multiple award winner at Locarno.
Sideral’s distribution unit, led by Maria Oliva, has an impressive lineup of upcoming releases, including Michel Franco’s “Dreams,” starring Jessica Chastain, and “The Chronology of Water,” featuring Imogen Poots, Thora Birch, and Jim Belushi. Other exciting features currently in production include Anxos Fazàns’s “Broken Lines” (“Las líneas discontinuas”), Manuel Gómez Pereira’s “The Dinner” (“La Cena”), and Igor Legarreta’s “Blind Ants” (“Las ciegas hormigas”).
Stay tuned for more updates on “Los Relatos” and Sideral’s compelling film projects that seek to shine a light on critical social issues through powerful storytelling.
