The keys to the international success of Uruguayan short film Antes de Madrid

The Uruguayan short film Antes de Madrid, written and directed by Ilén Juambeltz and Nicolás Botana, has achieved remarkable success with more than 40 selections in international festivals, more than 20 awards and presence in more than 20 countries. In addition to being acquired by television stations in France, Switzerland, Germany and Spain, it reached the milestone of becoming profitable for its creators. And, for this journey and achievements, it was highlighted during the regional event Ventana Sur.

The short film, loosely inspired by a real episode experienced by Nicolás Botana, tells how two teenagers in a small town try to have their first sexual relationship, but their plans are cut short. Told with humor, tenderness and simplicity, it achieved an unusual scope thanks to the meticulous work of the filmmakers and its producer, Facundo Umpiérrez.

This success is due to a combination of factors, according to the filmmakers during a conference at the Ventana Sur event. On the one hand, it deals with a universal theme such as adolescent experiences, an authentic representation of life in an inland town and a distribution strategy that knew how to take advantage of the opportunities that arose. And, in addition, the light humorous tone that differentiated it from other stories with teenagers, which abound in dramatic tones.

After its premiere in Uruguay at the Detour Festival, Antes de Madrid was selected for the Berlinale, a milestone that boosted its international visibility. Participation in this event, one of the largest in the world, attracted the attention of sales agents and programmers, opening doors to new distribution circuits, particularly film festivals for young people. The selection at the Berlinale, together with subsequent participation in festivals such as Palm Springs, Clermont Ferrand and others, allowed them to identify audience niches and adapt their commercial strategies.

The short film's success is not only explained by its success at festivals. According to Juambeltz and Botana, the story and the tone with which they chose to tell it, connects with audiences from different cultures. On the other hand, the decision to film in the department of San José, in the interior of the country, and to use local actors, gave authenticity to the story, creating a window to a reality little explored in international cinema.

More information about Antes de Madrid at this link.