Haut et Court Takes France on Victor Erice’s Latest Drama, ‘Close Your Eyes,’ from Film Factory (EXCLUSIVE)

variety.com:

John Hopewell Chief International Correspondent Paris-based Haut et Court has closed French distribution rights with sales agent Film Factory Entertainment on Victor Erice’s ”Close Your Eyes” (“Cerrar los ojos”), the legendary Spanish director’s return to feature film direction 30 years after Cannes Jury Prize winner “Dream of Light” and a half century on from his milestone debut, “The Spirit of the Beehive.” “Beehive” is regarded by many critics as one of the greatest Spanish films ever made. “Light” was chosen by the world’s cinematheques as the best film of the 1990s. “Close Your Eyes” reunites Erice with Ana Torrent, a wide-eyed mite in “Beehive.”  One of the most awaited Spanish films of 2023, it will be released in Spain by Avalon Films, the producer-distributor of “Alcarràs.” “Close Your Eyes” turns on a famed actor who disappears while making a film.

Many years later, a TV program airs the final scenes he shot, the beginning and end of a movie directed by his close friend.

Film Factory calls “Close Your Eyes” a “compelling reflection on identity, memory and filmmaking.” “It is a great achievement for the film to be acquired by Haut et Court in France,” said Film Factory’s managing director Vicente Canales, adding that the deal “will position ‘Close Your Eyes’ as one of the most important films of the year on the independent French market.” Erice’s new film is a heartbreaking reflection on profound relationships between cinema and life,” Carole Scotta, Haut et Court’s CEO, told Variety.  “We cannot be prouder to be the French distributor of ‘Close Your Eyes,’” she added.

France acts as a bellwether for upscale foreign-language films – both in the caliber of companies which acquire titles for distribution and