Salvatierra

Runtime: 90'

Expected release: July 2026

Production stage: Late Development

Budget: 400,000 (30%)

1st feature: No

Looking for: Festivals, sales agents, distributors, buyers, co-producers, gap financing

Synopsis:

Shark is the ocean’s top predators. But being a predator does not exclude being a prey. This is true for both animals and humans. In Todos Santos, Mexico, fishermen gather on the beach to venture into the sea in search of sharks. It’s a tradition practiced by a close-knit group bound by a strong sense of brotherhood. But the community is also affected by drug use and violence. The fishermen share the last name of Salvatierra, the family to which Ángel, our protagonist, belongs. Ángel, however, seeks a different path in life, one far from the sea

Director’s Profile:

Santiago Raphael Priego (1996, Mexico) is a filmmaker and visual artist. In 2015 he moved to Europe to pursue his passion for non-fiction cinema, with the goal of developing his storytelling skills. He attended Scuola Holden, where he co-directed with Gabriele Licchelli his diploma film, Arca Hotel, selected at the 58th Festival dei Popoli. In 2018 he moved to London to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Anthropology and Media at Goldsmiths University, at the same time working on several personal photography projects. Over the past years, he has undertaken numerous human experiences, which have allowed him to get to know different corners of the planet, searching for new stories and enriching his style.

Gabriele Licchelli (1993, Italy) is director and editor. He comes from a small village in the South of Italy. He moved to Turin to complete his education in cinema studies at Scuola Holden. His diploma film, Arca Hotel, was selected at the 58th Festival dei Popoli. In 2019 his film Anche gli uomini hanno fame was premiered at IDFA (then selected at MakeDox, FEST-New Directors New Films, ShorTS, MedFilm Festival). In 2021 he co-wrote IO|OI, a short dance film, premiered at 39. Torino Film Festival (selected at Short Waves Festival, Aesthetica Film Festival, Lago Film Festival). In 2022 he co-directed and edited Go, friend, go, premiered at 63. Festival dei Popoli and selected in several festivals (FESCAAAL, Crossing Europe, Festival, Jean Rouch, among others). He recently attended a workshop with Gianfranco Rosi at EICTV in Cuba.

 

 

 

Producer’s Profile:

Alice Drago (1986, Italy) is a producer. She attended Scuola Holden and in 2009 received a bachelor’s degree in Modern Literature from the University of Turin. In 2012 she earned her master’s from the DAMS (Department of Arts, Music & Performance) program in Turin with her thesis on contemporary Italian film production. After working for several years in different production companies, she co-founded Epica Film, where she developed and produced numerous documentaries and short films. Her project have gained funds from Erasmus Plus Programme, Turin City Council, Film Commission Torino Piemonte, Apulia Film Fund, MiC (Italian Ministry of Culture), among others. Her films have been selected at the Biennale del Cinema di Venezia, Festival dei Popoli, Crossing Europe (among others). She teaches cinema production in universities.

Paulina Valencia (1993, Mexico) is a Mexican producer, and director of MFC Madrefoca Cine. She has collaborated with filmmakers such as David Pablos, Nicolasa Ruiz, Matt Porterfield, Nathalia Acevedo and Ricardo Silva. As Executive Producer, she has collaborated with Amat Escalante, Fernando Guzzoni, Diego Lerman and Christopher Murray. She has participated in co-production markets in Locarno, Cannes, Rotterdam, Los Cabos, Ventana Sur, at the Atelier México-Francia and at IFP No Borders, receiving funds and support such as the Hubert Bals Fund, EFICINE, FOPROCINE, Ibermedia, among others. Her projects have been exhibited at festivals such as Locarno, Visions du Réel, Mar del Plata, Rotterdam, Jeonju, Havana, FICUNAM and Morelia.

Sebastián Castillo (1993, Mexico) is a producer with experience in executive production, line production and project development. His projects have been selected in different international festivals, such as the short film Car winner of the Audience Award at the FICM. Also his first film as a producer, Good Savage (2023), which premiered at the Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival in 2023, later had its premiere in Mexico at the FICG 2024.