Raabta International: Emerging Leader in Spanish Film Sales

Table of Contents

In a strategic move to establish itself in the competitive arena of global film sales, Raabta International has officially launched its operations. Based in Madrid, this new agency focuses on representing independent films and documentaries with significant commercial potential. Raabta aims to elevate these projects on an international stage through festival participation and targeted distribution strategies.

Raabta International operates under Raabta Pictures, part of Garajonay Producciones in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. This venture is led by producers Carlota Amor and Juan Carlos Jiménez, marking a transition from local distribution to a broader international sales approach.

Entering the international film market

Raabta positions itself as a vital link between producers in Spain and Europe and global buyers. The agency will showcase its offerings for the first time at the European Film Market (EFM) during the esteemed Berlin International Film Festival. Raabta will also participate in Mafiz, the industry section of the Málaga Film Festival, which is currently celebrating its 29th year.

The launch of Raabta comes at a time when there is an increasing demand for Spanish-language content worldwide. This growing appetite from streaming platforms and buyers seeking high-quality local productions creates an advantageous environment for the agency’s market entry.

Focus on diverse genres

Raabta International’s inaugural lineup features a diverse mix of genres, including food, horror, and dark comedy. One standout project is Noor: Eating History, a documentary that highlights the culinary artistry of acclaimed chef Paco Morales, inspired by historical recipes from the 10th-century Umayyad Caliphate. This unique perspective offers a compelling marketing opportunity for international buyers interested in high-profile culinary stories.

In the horror genre, Raabta presents House of Atreyus (La Casa de los Monstruos), featuring well-known actors Antonio Resines and rising star Jaime Lorente, recognized for his role in Money Heist. By showcasing established talent in this lucrative genre, Raabta aims to capture significant attention from international audiences.

Additionally, the agency is promoting Ownerships (Nuda propiedad), a dark comedy addressing the complexities of the real estate crisis. With actors like Maxi Iglesias and Susana Abaitua in leading roles, this film is expected to resonate with viewers seeking engaging yet insightful narratives.

Strategic leadership for growth

Leading the commercial strategy is Yvette de los Santos, appointed as the head of international sales. De los Santos brings extensive experience in promoting, distributing, and marketing independent films from Latin America and Europe. Her background includes coordinating various film festivals and serving as a jury member at notable events such as MiradasDoc, Dones Visuals, and the Cannes Short Film Corner.

De los Santos expressed her enthusiasm for the launch, stating, “We believe this is the perfect time to introduce Raabta International. Starting at the EFM in Berlin, a key market for Spanish and European cinema, allows us to showcase our vision, gauge market interest, and build essential connections with distributors and international agents.”

Highlighting Raabta’s competitive advantage, she noted the company’s agile operating model, which allows for quick adaptations to market trends. “Raabta International is designed with a flexible framework that enables us to tailor our approach for each title strategically,” de los Santos added. “We support films that possess a distinct identity and international appeal, crafting customized sales strategies while maintaining close oversight on each project to maximize its performance across different markets.”