Cineplex Acquires Global Sales Rights for Tomás Corredor's 'November' Premiere in Toronto

A New Chapter for Colombian Cinema

Cineplex USA has made a significant move in the international film market by acquiring the worldwide sales rights to "November" ("Noviembre"), the debut feature of Colombian director Tomás Corredor. This film will make its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) in the Discovery program, marking a major milestone for both the filmmaker and the production team.

"November" delves into one of the most harrowing and complex periods in Colombia's recent history. The film explores the intersection of ideology, violence, and power, offering a gripping narrative that highlights the tragic events of November 1985. During this time, M-19 guerrillas took over Colombia’s Palace of Justice, and a group of civilians sought refuge in a bathroom as a brutal crossfire raged for 27 hours. The story is so intense and surreal that it feels like fiction, yet it is rooted in real-life events.

Elba McAllister, founder of Cineplex USA, expressed her excitement about representing Corredor's work on the global stage. She highlighted the collaboration with producer Diana Bustamante and the team at Burning, emphasizing the importance of bringing this powerful story to audiences around the world. McAllister also praised TIFF for its role in launching the careers of many visionary filmmakers, stating that the festival is the perfect platform to introduce "November" to a broader audience.

Tomás Corredor shared his deep connection to the subject matter, describing the siege of the Palace of Justice as an open wound in Colombia's history. He believes that "November" offers a unique perspective on the event, focusing on the personal experiences of those who lived through it rather than relying on traditional war cinema tropes. Corredor emphasized the importance of continuing the conversation around this historical tragedy, which he sees as an incomplete truth that needs to be addressed.

The film features a stellar cast, including Natalia Reyes from "Birds of Passage" and Santiago Alarcón from "Eva Lasting." The creative team behind the project includes producer Diana Bustamante and director Julio Chavezmontes, along with co-writer Jorge Goldenberg, an Argentine screenwriter. The screenplay was developed collaboratively by Corredor and Goldenberg, blending their perspectives to create a compelling narrative.

"November" is a co-production involving several Latin American studios, including Burning from Colombia, Piano from Mexico, Vulcana from Brazil, and Torden Film from Norway. This international collaboration reflects the film's broad appeal and its significance as a cultural exchange between different regions.

Diana Bustamante, known for her work on "Memoria," expressed her enthusiasm about the film's premiere at TIFF. She described the experience as a powerful beginning for a project that has been both challenging and rewarding. Bustamante also noted the support provided by the incentives in Colombia, Mexico, and Brazil, which helped bring the film to life.

The historical drama is supported by a talented crew, including cinematographer Carlos F. Rossini from "The Chambermaid" and editors Felipe Guerrero, Bruno Carboni, and Bustamante herself. The film was shot entirely in Mexico, with post-production taking place in Brazil and Colombia, further emphasizing the collaborative nature of the project.

As "November" prepares for its world premiere at TIFF, it stands as a testament to the power of storytelling in addressing historical trauma and fostering dialogue. With its unique approach and strong creative team, the film is poised to make a lasting impact on audiences and critics alike.