Mubi picked up the film for multiple territories out of Cannes, including North America and the UK.
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I think its Larrains most important film, Castro said ofEl Conde.
Castro also teases which European festival audiences should expectEl Conde to debut this fall.
Alfredo CastroElisabetta A. Villa/WireImage
DEADLINE:The Settlersdebuted to rave reviews out of Cannes and was promptly picked up by MUBI.
How did it feel to receive such a positive response?
ALFREDO CASTRO:I was very happy because the film is very much a Chilean story.
I think all Chilean films and life is related to the impunity of those days.
So weve had 100 years of impunity.
These are the intense emotions that intrigued the audiences in Cannes.
DEADLINE:Is the story of native communities widely known in Chile?
CASTRO:No, not so much.
DEADLINE:So why take on the role?
CASTRO:I am a very political guy.
Ive been working with Pablo Larrain.
All his films are about impunity too.
So I dont have any interest in just being the protagonist of a movie.
I like to work with films that have a very political subject.
DEADLINE:You mention Pablo Larrain there.
I know you just finished his upcoming film,El Conde.
Can you talk about the film and what audiences can expect?
Because the premise sounds high concept.
CASTRO:Yes, it is.
Ive seen the film.
Its not finished, but I just love it.
I think its Larrains most important film.
Larrain has two modes: First, the movies he makes abroad, for instance,SpencerandJackie.
Thats one branch of his work.
This film is very important because it shows the dictator as he was: A thief, killer.
I play the role of Pinochets right-hand man, the state torturer who tortured hundreds of people.
He drinks blood, and I mean its very weird.
The high class in Chile, the right in Chile.
So Im doing both sides of the story.
DEADLINE:How far into the process of shootingAllendeare you?
CASTRO:We have been shooting for one month and have a month left.
So its a very tough moment in this country.
DEADLINE:You said the first part drops in September, so is there a second series?
Would you come back again?
CASTRO:We are shooting in four chapters.
Why do you think thats happening now?
CASTRO:Its because of the platforms.
They have democratized cinema.
Its also thanks to festivals.
I went to Cannes with LarrainsTony Manerofor the first time 15 years ago.
This has allowed Latin American filmmakers to show the world that we exist and have wonderful stories to tell.
DEADLINE:You mention Larrain is frequently on the festival circuit.
Where can we expectEl Condeto debut?
