In one of the concluding agreements at the San Sebastian International Film Festival, David Matamoros of Doce Entertainment has come aboard as producer for Matías Rojas’s cinematic adaptation of the Chilean cult classic “Dog Legs” (originally titled “Patas de perro”). His joining adds Spain to an already robust international team that includes producers from Chile, France, Germany, and Colombia.
The production is now in the final stages of securing funding. Principal photography is slated to take place in Valdivia, Chile, during the latter half of next year. Chilean actor Alfredo Castro, known for his roles in Pablo Larraín’s “The Count” and “The Club,” is attached to lead the cast.
Federico Durán, the Colombian producer behind the project through his company El Sol Ermitaño, emphasized the significance of the new partnership. “Spain’s involvement decisively strengthens the project and puts us in a very strong position to complete its financing,” Durán said. Durán, who recently secured a major post-production award at San Sebastián for his work in progress “Lovers Go Home!”, also produced notable titles such as “The Squad” and “Alias María.”
He described the film as “an ambitious project, both technically and artistically, but it also aims to reach a broad audience.”
Matamoros brings extensive experience to the role, with credits including “The Platform” and “The Virgin of the Quarry.” He previously served as a producer at Zentropa Spain, the Spanish branch of Lars von Trier’s production company.
Development of the project began approximately four years ago in Chile, led by A Simple Vista and its head Tomás Gerlach. Earlier this year, French distributor Epicentre Films’ production arm, Reality Films, joined the co-production slate at the 76th Berlinale. The German company Klinker Films, which co-produced Rojas’s previous feature “A Place Called Dignity,” also joined the fold.
Visual effects for the film will be managed by the French company MPC, whose portfolio includes Thomas Cailley’s “The Animal Kingdom,” a winner of Best VFX at the 2023 Sitges Film Festival and the French César Awards.
Rojas has a long-standing relationship with San Sebastian, having premiered his debut feature “Root” there 13 years ago. He later returned to the festival’s Europe-Latin America Co-Production Forum with “A Place Called Dignity.” Over the course of his career, he has showcased his work at prestigious venues including the Berlinale, Cannes’ Directors’ Fortnight, and the Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival.
Originally published in 1965, “Dog Legs” is regarded as a cornerstone of Chilean literature. The story follows Bobi, a 12-year-old boy born with literal canine paws, who is hidden away by his family until Carlos, a lonely man without children, takes him in. Carlos’s act of compassion sparks outrage in their town, branding him a madman and Bobi a monster, leading the pair toward a tragic and violent reckoning.
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