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Kino Lorber has acquired all US rights from Alpha Violet and CAA Media Finance to Alejandro Loayza Grisi’s Bolivian eco-drama and Sundance grand jury prize winner Utama.
The distributor plans a theatrical release later this year on the story about an elderly Quechua couple in the highlands, Virginio and Sisa, who must come to terms with environmental change amid a harsh drought.
While Virginio insists on sticking to tradition and a time-honoured way of life, a visit from their grandson Clever brings the couple’s lives and future choices into sharp focus.
The World Cinema Competition: Dramatic grand jury prize winner marked the feature directorial debut of Bolivian cinematographer and still photographer Grisi and was produced by Santiago Loayza Grisi for Alma Films and co-produced by Federico Moreira for La Mayor Cine.
Kino Lorber SVP Wendy Lidell negotiated the deal with Virginie Devesa for Alpha Violet and CAA Media Finance on behalf of the filmmakers.
“The luscious landscapes of Utama speak more loudly than any words about the havoc being wrought by climate change in the Bolivian highlands,” said Lidell. “And the consequences of this change resonate even more deeply in the resolute faces of the people who have farmed this land for generations and now face exile or extinction. We hope Americans will embrace this film for its stark beauty, stirring performances and relevant message.”
“Going to a theatre and waiting for the lights to turn off and submerge yourself into a story has no comparison,” added Grisi. “That is why I’m so thrilled and joyful that Utama has found a nice home with Kino Lorber in the US, so they can share the film and it can be enjoyed in a truly cinematic experience in theatres.
“Knowing that Americans can have a glance at my country reinforces the reasons I make films. I feel films can bring us closer together and I could not be thankful enough to be able to share a film set in Bolivia that can talk to other audiences all over the world.”
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