Acclaimed drama 'La Cocina,' featuring Rooney Mara, has secured distribution deals for numerous international territories following its premiere at the Berlinale. HanWay Films has finalized sales agreements for various regions including France, Australia, New Zealand, Spain, Italy, Benelux, Switzerland, Scandinavia, Poland, Romania, Baltics, Czech Republic, South Korea, Japan, Taiwan, China, Greece, the Middle East, Israel, Singapore, Ukraine, Indonesia, and Ships and Airlines. Notably, a significant deal for Germany and Austria was struck with Square One Entertainment prior to the Berlin Film Festival. Negotiations for a U.K. and Ireland release are nearing completion, while Fifth Season is collaborating with WME to handle the North American distribution.
'La Cocina,' the fourth feature film from esteemed Mexican director Alonso Ruizpalacios, has garnered critical acclaim for its captivating narrative and stellar performances. Starring Rooney Mara and Mexican actor Raul Briones, the movie is a modern adaptation of Arnold Wesker's play 'The Kitchen,' set in present-day New York City. The story unfolds during a hectic lunch service at The Grill, where suspicions arise after money goes missing from the till. Pedro, a charismatic yet troubled cook, finds himself at the center of the investigation, while grappling with his feelings for Julia, an American waitress with commitment issues.
Rashid, the restaurant's owner, offers Pedro assistance in obtaining legal documentation, but a shocking revelation about Julia pushes him to take drastic action that will disrupt the bustling kitchen's operations. Written and directed by Ruizpalacios, 'La Cocina' is a compelling exploration of love, loyalty, and the pursuit of the American Dream. The film was produced by Ramiro Ruiz, Gerardo Gatica, Lauren Mann, and Ivan Orlic, in collaboration with production companies Filmadora, Panorama, Fifth Season, Astrakan Film AB, and Seine Pictures.