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Quijote Films, a prominent producer in Chilean cinema, is strengthening ties with Brazilian filmmakers. The company, recognized for its role in the Oscar-nominated film The Mysterious Gaze of the Flamingo, has initiated a new venture: a documentary titled Mariana x BHP, directed by Brazilian filmmaker Renan Flumian of Droma Productions.
This documentary examines the aftermath of the Mariana dam disaster, leading to one of the largest environmental lawsuits in history.
The project, which has spanned over six years and filmed in 17 cities across three continents, contains more than 200 hours of footage.
It recently gained attention at the 5th Iberseries & Platino Industria in Madrid, where it was presented to potential buyers and streaming platforms. The documentary has already received accolades, winning a cash prize at the Lau Haizetara Forum in San Sebastián.
Building a collaborative future
Quijote Films is actively involved with Mariana x BHP and also co-produces the critically acclaimed film The Blue Trail, which won the Silver Bear at the Berlinale and has attracted over 150,000 viewers in Brazilian theaters.
The company is also preparing to release A Colmeia, filmed in the Atacama Desert earlier this year in collaboration with Brazilian producer Sara Silveira.
Shared experiences and visions
Giancarlo Nasi from Quijote Films expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration with Brazil, citing a long-standing connection that began during his studies there.
For over a decade, he has mentored emerging filmmakers at BrLab. He stated, “The strength and resilience of the Brazilian film industry have been inspiring. Our partnerships with Brazilian creators reinforce our belief in the value of collaboration.”
Nasi emphasized that the partnership with Brazil is crucial to Quijote Films’ strategy for international co-productions.
“With projects underway in Canada, Argentina, Mexico, and the U.S., we aim to create compelling global content that reflects our dedication to excellence and the craft of filmmaking,” he added.
Documentary with a purpose
As Quijote Films prepares to launch Mariana x BHP, producer Sergio Karmy highlighted the film’s strong identity.
He described it as socially and politically relevant, with the potential to engage a broad audience. “We are crafting it as a legal thriller, aiming to critique the system while providing an entertaining narrative,” Karmy remarked. He credited the hard work of the Quijote team, particularly Eugenia Campos, who has significantly shaped the film’s creative direction.
Unveiling the human stories
Flumian, the director of Mariana x BHP, shared his personal motivations for the documentary. He has closely observed the victims and the legal teams that united against one of the world’s largest mining corporations. He noted, “This documentary chronicles their struggle for justice and examines the potential for this case to alter the accountability of multinational corporations, not just in Latin America but globally.”
His previous works include the acclaimed The Hardest Conversation to Have With Your Parents (NYT Op-Docs) and the documentary series Acende a Luz (Globoplay), both recognized for their poignant exploration of significant societal themes. Flumian’s upcoming comedy film Velhos Bandidos, featuring legendary actress Fernanda Montenegro, further emphasizes his commitment to impactful storytelling.
As Quijote Films embraces its role in the evolving landscape of international cinema, its collaboration with Brazilian filmmakers underscores the power of unity in addressing pressing global issues through film.
