John Hopewell Chief International Correspondent São Paulo’s Biônica Filmes, behind Carolina Markowicz’s Toronto hit “Charcoal” and her upcoming “Toll,” is driving into English-language production, backing “The Eyes of Another,” from Maria Arida, as Biônica taps into an exciting new generation of young women filmmakers in Brazil. “Eyes” marks the feature debut from Arida, currently based out of São Paulo, who drew attention with “Instinct,” her AFI thesis film, a 17-minute short which world premiered at London’s BFI Flare, then had its U.S.
premiere at the Phoenix Film Festival where it won the award for best Latin American short. It is written by Liz Buda (“Getting Meisnered”).
Arida describes herself as a Brazilian genre director focused on female-driven thrillers and horror films. Part of the official market selection of Fantasia’s Frontières industry platform, which unspools July 26-29, “The Eyes of Another” is a case in point.
Now in advanced development, it turns on a renowned choreographer, Olivia Klein who, trapped in a psychologically abusive marriage, has an affair with Julien, one of her dancers.
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