Sundance Best Director Winner Valeria Hofmann Snags Spanish ICAA Grant

Amore Cine, a production company based in Madrid and founded by Paz Lázaro, Juan Pablo Félix, and Edson Sidonie, has recently announced its collaboration with Chilean director Valeria Hofmann on her debut feature film, “Dæmon.” This partnership comes after Hofmann received the prestigious Best Director award for her short film “AliEN0089” at Sundance 2023. The film is also supported by Maquina, a Chilean production company that made its debut at the San Sebastian Film Festival last year.

“Dæmon” is described as a body-horror techno-romance that explores themes of digital intimacy, grief, and transformation. The story is set in Valparaíso, a coastal town in Chile, and follows Liz, a content moderator who discovers unexpected intimacy with a virtual lover. As Liz learns that her virtual boyfriend is actually a consciousness trapped within her computer, she becomes obsessed with creating a physical form for him using a bioprinter that runs on blood, even at the risk of losing her own humanity.

The project has already received recognition, winning the first place in Spain’s ICAA Selective Grant among more than 400 submissions. This success has positioned “Dæmon” as one of the most highly anticipated Latin American-European co-productions currently in development. With the production grant secured, the film is set to begin principal photography in 2026, with the producers actively seeking additional international partners.

Paz Lázaro of Amore Cine expressed her excitement about the project, stating, “This project brings together everything we believe in: a director with an urgent and singular voice, a genre film that pushes boundaries, and a collaborative partnership between Amore and Maquina that is visionary and exciting.” She also thanked the ICAA selection team for recognizing the film among the talented filmmakers in Spain.

Valeria Hofmann’s unique perspective and ambitious storytelling have captivated audiences and industry professionals alike. Ursula Budnik, co-founder of Maquina, praised Hofmann’s audacious approach to genre cinema and expressed her enthusiasm for supporting a debut project of such ambition. She also highlighted the importance of amplifying new voices, especially those that challenge traditional narratives and pave the way for women in cinema.

Amore Cine, known for its strong Ibero-American focus, has already made a mark in the industry with its early productions. The company’s commitment to supporting diverse voices and innovative storytelling is evident in its collaborations with emerging talents like Valeria Hofmann. As “Dæmon” continues to gain momentum, it is poised to make a significant impact on the international film scene.

In conclusion, the partnership between Amore Cine, Maquina, and Valeria Hofmann on “Dæmon” represents a bold step towards pushing the boundaries of genre cinema and amplifying underrepresented voices in the industry. As the film moves closer to production, it promises to deliver a compelling and thought-provoking cinematic experience for audiences worldwide.