“Double Freedom” (“La libertad doble”), Argentine director Lisandro Alonso’s sequel to his milestone debut “La Libertad,” has been acquired for worldwide sales by Paris-based Luxbox. The deal comes in the run-up to May’s Cannes Film Festival where “Double Freedom” will world premiere at Directors’ Fortnight.
Bowing at Cannes’ Un Certain Regard in 2001, “La Libertad” moved waves for what came to be called its minimalism, which can also be seen as an affirmation of cinematographic pleasures other than a propulsive plot. Championed by other cineastes such as Mexico’s Carlos Reygadas, this rebellion against usual cinema came to characterise part of a new Latin American cinema celebrated by its fans for its creative freedoms.
“Double Freedom” picks up the story woodcutter Misael, 25 years after he was seen in “La Libertad.” Two key questions posed by the film is how Miseal (Misael Saavedra) and indeed Alonso have evolved as a character and filmmaker respectively.
Misael begins “Double Freedom” still living his solitary existence felling trees to sell for a few pesos. An unexpected event, however, upends his existence and adds a distinctive political edge to “Double Freedom.” The film itself also delivers a clear statement by Alonso about the need for – and ways to achieve – creative independence.
“25 years after ‘La Libertad,’ Lisandro Alonso reunites with Misael in a political and powerful gesture,” Luxbox CEO Fiorella Moretti told Variety. “The result is as moving as it is unforgettable. We are proud to continue our collaboration with Lisandro, a director with such a singular vision.”
Notably, “Double Freedom” is produced by Fernando Buscuñan’s Chile-based Planta which is also behind a second Directors’ Fortnight title, Chilean Dominga Sotomayor’s “La Perra.” Chilean Augusto Matte also lead produces out of his London-based Dartford alongside Alonso’s label 4L.
“Double Freedom” is co-produced by Les Films Fauves, The Match Factory, Cimarrón, Pulpa Film and Carte Blanche.
“We worked with Luxbox on ‘Simon of the Mountain’ and the trust we built there made this decision very natural. They understand how to move a film like this through the market and they bring a real commitment to the work. We are very happy to be reuniting with them on ‘Double Freedom,’” said Bascuñán.
‘Fiorella has been working alongside Lisandro Alonso for many years, supporting his films across distribution, international sales and production,” added Matte. “No one understands his cinema better, the audience it speaks to and what it takes to bring that work into the world. Having her alongside our artistic producer Ilse Hughan gives ‘Double Freedom’ the best possible hands it could be in.”
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