SXSW London Debuts Alief Pickup, Puerto Rican Sci Fi ‘Luna Rosa’

Alief, a U.K.-French film company, has recently acquired the worldwide sales rights to “Luna Rosa: The 7th Ascension of Atabey,” the latest film from Puerto Rican artist Omar Rodríguez-López. Rodríguez-López, known for his work as the frontman of the Grammy-winning band The Mars Volta, has crafted his most cohesive and fully narrative film to date, according to Alief co-partner Miguel Angel Govea.

Set in Borinquen, the indigenous Taíno name for Puerto Rico, “Luna Rosa” blends elements of sci-fi and dystopian genres. The story follows Zur’na, portrayed by Flora Sylvestre, as she embarks on a dangerous journey into enemy territories controlled by American colonial forces in search of her missing brother. Through this narrative, Rodríguez-López explores the lasting impact of American imperialism, drawing inspiration from classic Latin American cinema and cult B-movies to create a visually stunning world filled with intricate rituals, mind control, and menacing holograms.

Alief has exclusively shared a teaser of the film with Variety and is already receiving offers from various countries, including Spain, Colombia, Argentina, and the U.K. Additionally, Mexico’s Piano will handle distribution in Mexico.

The film is set to premiere at SXSW London on June 6 as part of its official selection. Shot in black and white in Mexico, “Luna Rosa” features a score composed by Rodríguez-López and John Frusciante, guitarist for the Red Hot Chili Peppers. Ester Bernal, Head of Distribution at Piano Mexico, praises the film as a forward-thinking approach to Latin American science fiction, highlighting its blend of fantasy and social critique. Distribution plans include screenings in art house circuits and alternative spaces outside the traditional exhibition circuit.

Produced through a collaboration between German, Puerto Rican, and Mexican entities, “Luna Rosa” was financed by Germany’s Clouds Hill Films, a part of the Clouds Hill Group which also manages The Mars Volta’s music label. Rodríguez-López’s production company Telesterion Inc. and Mexican production companies Kintsugi Cine, Peliculas Extrañas, and MalaCOSA Cine are also involved in the project.

Rodríguez-López is currently working on his fifth feature film, a Western, in Texas. Alief’s Cannes slate includes a range of international films, including the Polish dystopian drama “Glorious Summer,” the Indian folk horror “Bokshi,” and the Canadian-Korean Fipresci prizewinner “Mongrels,” among others.