Pluto Film Nabs Alicia Scherson’s Tribeca Title ‘Summer War’

Pluto Film, a Berlin-based production company, has secured the global distribution rights for the Chilean psychological thriller “Summer War” ahead of its debut at Cannes’ Marché du Film and the Tribeca Film Festival. Directed by Alicia Scherson, known for her previous work on the adaptation of Roberto Bolaño’s novel “The Third Reich,” the film features an international cast including Dan Beirne, Lux Pascal, David Gaete, and Aline Kuppenheim.

Set in 1989 Chile during the end of military dictatorship under Augusto Pinochet, the story follows Udo Berger, a passionate player of the popular board game Wargame. While on vacation with his girlfriend Ingrid, a fellow tourist disappears, leading Udo to delve into a mysterious case involving an enigmatic local who is a master of the game.

Pluto Film’s managing directors, Daniela and Benjamin Cölle, praised Scherson’s adaptation for its exploration of obsession and human behavior against the backdrop of the Chilean coast. The deal was negotiated with producer Isabel Orellana of Araucaria Cine, who highlighted Pluto Film’s understanding of the film’s dark and psychological thriller elements.

Co-produced by companies from Chile, Uruguay, Argentina, and Italy, “Summer War” was originally titled “1989” and presented at the San Sebastian Film Festival’s Co-Production Forum. Scherson expressed the challenge of portraying a male protagonist obsessed with war games, a departure from her usual focus on female perspectives.

In addition to Orellana, producers Juan José López, Pedro Barcia, and Nicolás Grosso, along with executive producers, are involved in the project. The film is scheduled to premiere at the Cannes Film Festival in May and at the Tribeca Festival in June.

The Cannes Film Festival will run from May 12 to 23, while the Tribeca Festival will take place from June 3 to 14 in New York City. Stay tuned for more updates on “Summer War” as it makes its mark on the global festival circuit.