Miguel Angel Ferrer’s Oscar-hopeful will be hitting U.S. theaters.
Paul Hudson’s Outsider Pictures has acquired the U.S. theatrical rights to Venezuela’s 2024 International Feature Academy Award submission The Shadow of the Sun by the Venezuelan director.
The Shadow of the Sun is the story of Alex, a young deaf man who asks his older brother Leo to accompany him in a musical competition. With the help of his brother’s voice, Alex has the chance to fulfill a lifelong dream, one that will push his skills to their limit and test his resilience in a culture not interested in inclusion.
“Part of the reason I made this movie, and what I know it’s successfully achieved from all the reactions that we’ve gotten, is for Venezuelans to see their invincible spirit on the screen,” said Ferrer. “The story has already been accepted by all Venezuelans who have seen it, regardless of political inclination, societal status, sexual orientation, religion, etc.”
Although the film’s main narrative is an intimate tale, Ferrer says the film also explores larger themes relevant to all Venezuelans.
“The movie is not political on the surface, but underneath the story, there’s an undercurrent of economic struggles, gangs, and all the trials and tribulations that every single Venezuelan knows like the back of their hand.”
“Despite everything, the characters persist and make it to the finish line. Win or not, that’s the story of every Venezuelan and most Latinos in the world. All of our countries are plagued by similar corruption and hardships, and yet we’re some of the happiest and most resilient people,” he added.
Produced by Martiza Carbajal and Alvar Carretero’s De la Reina LLC, The Shadow of the Sun enjoyed a fruitful festival run, winning the audience award at the Miami Film Festival, best Latin American feature at Monterrey, a special jury prize at the Seattle Latino Film Festival and five prizes at the Festival del Cine Venezolano.
“It’s an enjoyable challenge to bring a film like Shadow of the Sun to the U.S. to not only find and cater to the growing Venezuelan market but also try and bring the Latino and arthouse audiences along for the ride,” Outsider founder and CEO Hudson told Variety of his company’s latest pickup.
Outsider Pictures is planning a U.S. theatrical run in the spring of 2025, targeting the country’s growing Venezuelan population. According to Hudson, Outsider is committed to finding films for the group.
