Martin Boulocq Preps ‘The Strange Woman’ for San Sebastian Co-Production Forum

Bolivian filmmaker Martin Boulocq’s drama “The Strange Woman” (“La Mujer Extraña”) has taken another significant step forward by securing Uruguay’s Cimarrón Cine as a co-production partner. The announcement comes as the project prepares to participate in the highly anticipated San Sebastian Film Festival Co-Production Forum.

This collaboration marks the second time Cimarrón Cine has backed a film by Boulocq. In 2022, the production company co-produced “The Visitor” (“El Visitante”), which went on to win the Best Screenplay award at Tribeca. “The Visitor” follows the story of an ex-convict returning home, striving to reconnect with his young daughter and rebuild his life.

Cimarrón Cine has established itself as one of Uruguay’s leading production companies. The firm has provided production services for the Oscar-nominated “Society of the Snow” and co-produced Prime Video’s well-received series, “Iosi, the Regretful Spy,” in collaboration with Oficina Burman.

Produced by Boulocq and Andrea Camponovo’s CQ Films, “The Strange Woman” is set in a futuristic Bolivia ravaged by a war over lithium, a critical resource for electric vehicle batteries and smartphones. The narrative centers on a Quechua teenager who decides to become a surrogate mother to escape poverty, triggering a family conflict set against a backdrop of social unrest.

“Historically, Bolivia has been a target of hegemonic powers due to its abundant natural resources. Today, lithium, coveted globally for battery production, places Bolivia in the spotlight as it holds the world’s largest reserves,” said Boulocq.

He added, “In this film, I aim to explore how sociopolitical contexts influence family relationships and shape emotional bonds. By combining family drama with science fiction from a Southern perspective, and drawing a parallel between the exploitation of land and the exploitation of bodies, this film serves as a meditation on resistance and the impact of global forces on the intimacy of everyday life.”

“The Strange Woman” has an impressive development history, including participation in the Open Doors Script Consultancy and Br Lab. It has also secured funds from Ibermedia, a regional fund entity.

Camponovo expressed her thoughts on the importance of the project: “As a Bolivian woman, I see the urgent need to tell stories from my country that feature women as protagonists. I also recognize the importance of honoring our Indigenous roots in these women’s stories.”

She continued, “In this sense, ‘The Strange Woman’ is a very unique and special proposal. Martín has shown with his previous films that he possesses the sensitivity and honesty necessary to tackle a challenge like the one he is proposing now. This is the fifth project we are working on with Martín at CQ Films.”

Founded in 2009, CQ Films has consistently showcased its work at major film festivals. Their films have been screened in theaters and museums across Latin America, Europe, and North America. Boulocq’s latest project, “Criminal Body,” was recently selected as a Spotlighted Project at the Marché du Film’s Cannes Doc and will participate in the WIP program of Sanfic Industria, the industry section of the Santiago International Film Festival.

The 72nd San Sebastian Film Festival will take place from September 20 to 28, promising an exciting lineup of new films and industry collaborations.

Source: Variety