France’s Epicentre Boards Alfredo Castro Co-Production ‘Dog Legs’

The 76th Berlin Film Festival is coming to a close on Sunday, Feb. 22, but the buzz around new deals continues to grow. One such deal comes from France’s Epicentre Films, which has recently signed on to produce “Dog Legs” (“Patas de perro”), the latest film from Chilean director Matias Rojas. The film stars the renowned Alfredo Castro and is a collaboration between producers from Chile, Colombia, and Germany.

Epicentre Films, led by a team of international industry experts, has a diverse slate of projects, including the Colombian Oscar-entry “A Poet.” Their decision to join “Dog Legs” as a producing partner speaks to the unique and compelling nature of the film.

Based on the novel by Chilean author Carlos Droguett, “Dog Legs” tells the story of Bobi, a young boy born with dog legs, who is hidden away by his family in a remote Southern Chilean town. When a newcomer named Carlos, played by Castro, takes an interest in Bobi and tries to help him integrate into society, he faces backlash and hostility from the townspeople.

Producer Federico Durán, speaking on behalf of the production team, explains that Castro was drawn to the project because he sees it as a reflection of the identity crisis facing today’s youth. The novel, known for its extreme and influential narrative, delves into themes of loneliness, belonging, and the fear of losing what one loves.

Director Matias Rojas describes “Dog Legs” as a film that resonates with contemporary issues of migration, inequality, diversity, and human rights. The story challenges societal norms and explores the boundaries between the “normal” and the “abnormal,” ultimately delving into themes of hybridity and resistance.

Rojas plans to shoot the film in a way that captures the essence of Bobi’s journey between the human and the animal, the intimate and the collective. The project has already undergone a rigorous development process, participating in various industry events before landing at the Berlinale EFM.

With funding secured from Chile and additional support expected from co-producing countries, “Dog Legs” is set to begin filming in Valdivia, Southern Chile, in 2027. The film promises to be a thought-provoking exploration of identity, belonging, and the human experience.