BREAKING NEWS: Juno Films has just acquired all North American rights to the critically acclaimed Spanish-language film ‘Cielo’, directed by Alberto Sciamma. This magical realist fable, which has garnered multiple awards at prestigious film festivals like Fantasia Fest and Fantasporto, is set for a national theatrical release in Spring 2026.
In a compelling narrative, ‘Cielo’ follows the journey of Santa, portrayed by Fernanda Gutierrez Aranda, a young orphan from the Bolivian Altiplano. Santa flees her abusive home, carrying her mother’s body in a barrel of salt, on a desperate quest to find the road to Heaven and resurrect her mother. The film unfolds as Santa, guided by a fish she swallows alive, encounters a priest, finds refuge with a bus of Cholia fighters, and faces the somber police chief who is still grieving his wife’s death from three years ago.
The film has already made waves, winning the Special Jury Prize and audience award for best cinematography at Fantasporto, and the Cheval Noir competition’s Best Cinematography Award at Fantasia Fest. Juno Films negotiated the rights deal with Caroline Couret-Delègue, president of Film Seekers, highlighting the film’s powerful storytelling and emotional depth.
Vondah Elizabeth, CEO of Juno Films, remarked on the film’s significance, stating,
“Alberto has created a modern fable that defies any expectations. When I first watched the film, I was riveted by the film that, like the best of fairy tales, looks evil in the eye and tells it not to get in the way of the heroine’s well-laid plans.”
This acquisition marks a significant milestone for Juno Films, which is known for distributing impactful and thought-provoking films. With its unique blend of fantasy and realism, ‘Cielo’ is expected to resonate with audiences across North America, making it a highly anticipated release.
As the film gears up for its festival premiere and eventual theatrical release, industry watchers are eager to see how ‘Cielo’ will perform in the competitive landscape of cinematic storytelling. Keep an eye on this developing story as more details emerge leading up to the film’s release.
