Berlin Competition Contender ‘Robe of Gems’ Pounced On by New York’s Visit Films (EXCLUSIVE)

variety.com:

John Hopewell Chief International CorrespondentNew York-based Visit Films has swooped on world sales rights to “Robe of Gems” (“Manto de Gemas”) which will world premiere in main competition at next’s month’s Berlinale.Produced by some of the best known producers on the art film and crossover scene in Mexico and Argentina, “Robe of Gems” marks the directorial debut feature of  Natalia López Gallardo who has edited some of the most acclaimed and challenging films coming out of Latin America in the last decade, such as Lisandro Alonso’s “Jauja,” starring Viggo Mortensen,  and Carlos Reygadas’ “Post Tenebras Lux” and Amat Escalante’s “Heli,” the latter two both best director award winners at the Cannes Festival.

Written, directed and edited by López Gallardo, “Robe of Gems” turns on Isabel, a woman in the midst of divorce who moves to an old country house her family once owned.There she discovers her helper Marta’s sister has gone missing; Roberta, the police chief leading the search for her is desperately concerned by her son’s involvement with local cartels; Isabel is torn by the need to help Marta who, unbeknown to Roberta, is also working for a local drug gang in order to make a living.The three women’s path to redemption will be marred by tragedy and violence, the film’s synopsis anticipates.“This film is about what we carry inside after years and years of accumulating, in our minds and dreams, infinite images of torture,” said López-Gallardo, calling the film “a collage that reveals a universe of characters who unwittingly contribute – as victims or active perpetrators – to the cycle of villainy.”“My desire is to reflect this spiritual wound and its psychological dimension, one that is not visible,” she added.Out of.