After receiving a warm welcome and a 16-minute standing ovation at Cannes, Javier Ambrossi and Javier Calvo’s film “La Bola Negra” (“The Black Ball”) has triggered a competitive bidding war for its US rights. Companies such as A24, Mubi, and Netflix are among the interested bidders.
The premiere on Thursday marked the Cannes competition debut for the filmmaking duo known as Los Javis. They have gained a dedicated global following through their series “Veneno” and “La Mesías.” “The Black Ball” is a queer epic that covers 85 years of Spanish history, inspired by an unfinished piece by the renowned poet and playwright Federico García Lorca. The film is in the running for both the Palme d’Or and the Queer Palm awards.
This is the second major bidding war at the festival this year; the first involved Jordan Firstman’s film “Club Kid,” which was acquired by A24 for $17 million. A24’s potential win would be surprising, as the company typically focuses on English-language films. Mubi has a stronger presence in non-English markets, while Netflix has a history of supporting local-language productions. Neon has also shown interest but has not confirmed a bid.
“The Black Ball” follows the lives of three gay men in three different eras: 1932, 1937, and 2017. The film explores themes of desire and generational legacy, with its title referencing a form of social exclusion. Notable cast members include Glenn Close and Miguel Bernardeau, alongside Guitarricadelafuente, who makes his film debut.
Ambrossi and Calvo co-wrote the screenplay with playwright Alberto Conejero. This film is the first project produced by Suma Content Films, the new division of Los Javis’ production company. “The Black Ball” will be released in Spain on October 2 through Elastica Films, with international sales managed by Goodfellas.
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