EXCLUSIVE: Altered Innocence has acquired all North American rights to The Mysterious Gaze of the Flamingo, the debut feature from Chilean writer-director Diego Céspedes.
The film made its world premiere in Cannes’ Un Certain Regard section, where it won the top prize, and has since been selected as Chile’s Oscar entry in the Best International Feature category.
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Set in a mining town in northern Chile during the 1980s, Céspedes’ film unfolds through the eyes of 11-year-old Lidia as rumors spread of a mysterious illness believed to pass “through the gaze” between men who fall in love. As fear and prejudice take hold, Lidia and her family must navigate the growing hysteria surrounding queerness, disease, and desire in a deeply patriarchal society.
The deal was negotiated between Frank Jaffe from Altered Innocence and Hélène Espeisse from Charades. Producers include Les Valseurs, Quijote Films and Weydemann Bros.
The film has also been a selection at Toronto, AFI Fest, Chicago, and San Sebastián film festivals. A North American theatrical release is planned for late 2025.
“Diego Céspedes has crafted one of the most original and moving debuts I’ve seen in years,” said Jaffe. “The Mysterious Gaze of the Flamingo is a haunting allegory about fear and visibility that feels both timeless and urgently of the moment. We’re thrilled to champion it as Chile’s Oscar submission and introduce Céspedes’ singular voice to North American audiences.”
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