Paz Vega's Directorial Debut "Rita" Secures International Sales

LOS ANGELES, CA – "Rita," the first feature film directed by acclaimed actress Paz Vega, has made a significant impact on the international film market following its world premiere at the Locarno Film Festival this August. The film has now clinched its first key market sales, announced at the American Film Market.

Filmax, the sales company behind "Rita," has successfully closed deals for the UK and Ireland with Signature Entertainment, known for distributing films like "The New Boy," "Unicorns," and the upcoming "The Dead Don’t Hurt" by Viggo Mortensen. Additionally, BookMyShow has acquired the rights for India. Ivan Díaz, head of international at Filmax, expressed optimism about further deals on the horizon.

"Rita," which Vega also wrote, draws from her own childhood experiences in Triana, Seville. The film paints a vivid portrait of 1984 Seville, capturing the bittersweet essence of a working-class childhood through the eyes of seven-year-old Rita, played by Sofía Allepuz. The narrative explores the joy and terror of growing up under the shadow of domestic violence, with Vega herself portraying Rita's mother, Mari.

The film has been well-received at various film festivals, including its U.S. premiere in Chicago, its domestic debut in Valladolid, and subsequent screenings in Tallinn, Seville, and Huelva. Critics have praised Vega's directorial finesse, particularly her ability to evoke a child's perspective and her nuanced handling of sensitive themes.

Max Hart, acquisitions & development executive at Signature, commented, “‘Rita’ blew us away with its incredible performances and subtle power, marking a truly impressive directorial debut from the iconic Paz Vega. We are delighted to be releasing the film in the U.K. and Ireland.”

Díaz added, “The U.K. and Ireland market has traditionally been a hard sale for Spanish dramas, so this deal really is testimony to Paz Vega’s first outing as a director.”

"Rita" has just had its first screening at the Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival and is scheduled for a significant screening at the Seville European Film Festival. Vega will also receive the prestigious Premio Luz at the Huelva Ibero-American Film Festival next weekend, celebrating her multifaceted contributions to cinema.

As "Rita" continues to garner attention and accolades, it stands as a testament to Vega's storytelling prowess both in front of and behind the camera.