Sundays: The Critically Acclaimed Film Making a Splash in Global Markets

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Alauda Ruiz de Azua’s film Sundays (originally titled Los Domingos) has gained remarkable traction in the international film market. The film has been acquired by prominent distributors across major territories, including Germany, Italy, the Nordic regions, Mexico, and Australia. Additionally, it has secured its first pay TV window with HBO for both Europe and Latin America, marking a significant milestone for its global reach.

Celebrated as the Golden Shell winner for Best Film at the San Sebastián Film Festival, Sundays has established itself as a powerful player in the cinematic landscape. This success highlights the rising trend of breakout dramas featuring fresh talent making significant waves at prestigious film festivals.

A critical darling in Spain and beyond

This past weekend, Sundays triumphed at the Forqué Awards in Spain, winning accolades for both Best Film and Best Actress, awarded to the talented Patricia López Arnaiz. These accolades position the film as a frontrunner for the upcoming Goya Awards, scheduled for February. Furthermore, it has been recognized as one of the Top 10 Spanish films according to Film Affinity España, solidifying its place in Spanish cinema history.

Alauda Ruiz de Azua’s impressive trajectory

As the writer and director of Sundays, Ruiz de Azua has rapidly ascended to prominence in the film industry. Her debut feature, Lullaby, received high praise from renowned filmmaker Pedro Almodóvar, who hailed it as the best debut in Spanish cinema in years. Following her success at the San Sebastián Film Festival, where she also premiered her first television series, Querer, which clinched the Grand Prix at France’s Series Mania, her work has captivated audiences.

Sundays has performed exceptionally well within Spain, grossing approximately €4 million (around $4.7 million) since its release on October 24, distributed by Bteam Pictures. The film’s strong domestic performance has set the stage for further international success, with theatrical releases planned across multiple key markets.

Global distribution and partnerships

Le Pacte, the Paris-based distributor, has been instrumental in the international sales of Sundays. The film has secured distribution deals in various territories, including Germany and Austria (MFA+ FilmDistribution), Italy (Movies Inspired), the Nordic countries (Angel Films), and Australia and New Zealand (Palace Films). Its reach extends throughout Europe, with additional agreements in place for Benelux (Cherry Pickers), Greece (Weird Wave), Poland (Rafael Films), Switzerland (Agora Films), Romania (Independenta), Portugal (Leopardo Filmes), and Croatia (Kino Mediteran).

Expanding reach through HBO collaborations

Furthermore, Le Pacte has successfully negotiated two separate deals with HBO for the film’s first pay TV and SVOD window in both Europe and Latin America. In Latin America, Sundays will debut in theaters prior to its HBO release, with specific agreements in place for Mexico and Colombia through Cine Video y TV and Babilla Cine, respectively. In France, Le Pacte is managing the film’s distribution, with a wide release planned for February 11, 2026. Additional territories are under negotiation, as confirmed by Le Pacte.

A deep dive into the narrative

The storyline of Sundays revolves around Ainara, a 17-year-old student at a religious institution in northern Spain. The film opens with Ainara pleading with her aunt Maite to convince her father, Iñaki, to allow her to participate in a retreat organized by the local convent. Maite, a modern and vibrant figure, and Iñaki, struggling with a failing restaurant, are drawn into Ainara’s spiritual journey, influenced by a dashing priest who serves as her spiritual mentor.

As the plot unfolds, the audience grapples with Ainara’s emotional turmoil stemming from her mother’s death and her father’s aloofness. This dynamic leads Ainara to seek the nurturing presence of Prioress Mother Isabel and the Father figure within the convent. The film poses the question: can Ainara find her own path amidst the conflicting desires of her family?

Thematic exploration of family relationships

At its core, Sundays is a poignant examination of strained family dynamics embroiled in misunderstanding and intolerance. The film reveals how key family members fail to connect with Ainara, viewing her spiritual calling through their own selfish lenses. While her grandmother and Maite’s husband exhibit empathy, recognizing Ainara’s unique perspective, others, like Iñaki and aunt Pilar, remain entrenched in their own self-interest.