Swiss Sister Distribution Acquires 'The Indies' from 'They Will Be Dust' Producers

Journey Through Time: Art, Alliances, and the Power of the Image

A New Collaboration Emerges from Acclaimed Producers

Following a successful partnership on the Toronto-acclaimed Spanish film "They Will Be Dust," Swiss production house Alina Film is now taking the lead as majority producer, alongside Spain's Lastor Media, on their latest venture, "The Indies" (also known as "Les Indes"). This new cinematic endeavor is set to be previewed as a work-in-progress at the upcoming ECAM Forum co-production market in Madrid, which will take place from June 9-11.

Sister Distribution Secures Rights to Anticipated Film

In a significant development, Sister Distribution, based in Switzerland, has recently acquired the distribution rights for "The Indies." The film marks the feature directorial debut for both Pauline Julier, a Swiss-French multidisciplinary artist and filmmaker, and Nicolas Chapoulier, a director, visual artist, and author with a background in theater. Their collaborative effort promises a fresh perspective on historical storytelling.

Visionary Filmmakers and Their Artistic Roots

Pauline Julier is renowned for her international art installations and documentaries, such as "Way Beyond" and "Follow the Water," which have graced festivals and art centers globally, including Visions du Réel and The Centre George Pompidou. Nicolas Chapoulier, as artistic director of Les 3 points de suspension, brings a wealth of theatrical experience to the project. Their combined expertise forms a strong foundation for "The Indies."

Producers Drawn to a Unique Artistic Vision

David Epiney, co-founder of Alina Film and producer of "The Indies," revealed that Sister Distribution has been a consistent supporter of Julier's previous works. Epiney and his co-founder Eugenia Mumenthaler, known for championing singular filmmakers like Milagros Mumenthaler and Elena Lopez Riera, were immediately captivated by Julier and Chapoulier's project. The duo's unique vision for this period piece left a lasting impression when they first connected at Locarno years ago.

"The Indies": A Historical Narrative Through a Modern Lens

Set in 17th-century Europe, an era defined by scientific breakthroughs and extensive colonization, "The Indies" draws inspiration from real historical events. The narrative follows two French soldiers and a young Spanish nobleman named Alejandro, entrusted with transporting a portrait of the Infanta of Spain to King Louis XIV of France. Their arduous journey to Versailles is crucial for solidifying a fragile alliance between the two powerful monarchies, symbolizing a challenging passage into the modern world.

An Image-Centric Exploration of History

Julier emphasizes that "The Indies" is not a character-driven story but rather an "image-driven film." The central focus is the portrait—a singular image carried by three men—which allows for a deep reflection on the symbolism of images in society. Julier highlights the stark contrast between the historical significance of a physical painting's journey and our contemporary digital age of instantaneous images, prompting questions about what makes an image truly important and who holds its significance.

The Relevance of Historical Change and Global Interconnectedness

Beyond its exploration of imagery, the film portrays a critical period of transition from the Middle Ages to modernity, marked by colonization and ongoing conflicts. Julier points out the film's contemporary relevance through Alejandro's belief that trade routes foster peace, questioning whether commercial exchanges truly lead to greater dialogue and understanding among nations. The title, "The Indies," itself evokes the hope for a better world, adding another layer of meaning.

Artistic Choices and Meticulous Craftsmanship

Inspired by the works of Kelly Reichardt and Lucrecia Martel, Julier and Chapoulier made deliberate artistic decisions, such as using a square format, employing long takes, and filming exclusively outdoors with natural light. These choices were made to amplify the artistic weight of the cinematic image. The filmmakers also dedicated significant effort to the casting process, selecting newcomer Theo Urtubey for his "timeless beauty," which contrasts with the more grounded appearance of co-stars Lazare Minoungou and Raphaël Thiéry.

Collaborative Excellence in Challenging Conditions

Julier praised her entire crew, particularly cinematographer Sylvain Verdet, who was nominated at Camerimage for his work on "Pacífico Oscuro." Despite the demanding filming conditions over a five-week period across Spain, France, and Switzerland, Verdet delivered exceptional results, further solidifying the film's visual integrity.

Spain's Growing Influence in Film Co-Production

Abel Davoine of Sister Distribution commended "The Indies" for its blend of historical study with a contemporary and relevant perspective, noting its intelligence and grace. The €2.6 million ($3.0 million) Swiss-Spanish co-production received support from Swiss public broadcaster RTS, Eurimages, and ICEC (the Catalan Institute for Cultural Enterprises). Epiney underscored Spain's increasing competitiveness and appeal as a co-production partner, attributing this boom to deliberate political initiatives and attractive filming incentives, making it a more favorable location than even France for such collaborations.

Future Endeavors and Continued Success

In addition to presenting "The Indies" at the ECAM Forum, Epiney and Mumenthaler will also participate in a retrospective of Milagros Mumenthaler's work, jointly organized by the ECAM Forum and Filmadrid. The producing duo is also in the early stages of developing Argentinian-Swiss filmmaker Mumenthaler's next project, described by Epiney as a "romantic comedy," following the success of her award-winning film "The Currents," which is currently being screened in U.S. art-house cinemas.