Latin Quarter Distribution has secured worldwide distribution rights to “Maltrato Animal,” a Uruguayan crime thriller directed by José Dell’Acqua. The acquisition was finalized following the film’s presentation at the Locarno Film Festival’s First Look program, which showcases rough-cut films from emerging and established filmmakers. This year’s edition featured a special focus on Uruguayan cinema.
The narrative follows a veterinarian in Montevideo whose life is upended during Uruguay’s devastating 2002 economic crisis. Desperate to survive without adequate resources, the protagonist becomes entangled in illegal operations involving animal breeding and pharmaceutical trafficking. The story takes an unexpected turn when a chance encounter offers potential redemption from this criminal spiral.
Dell’Acqua spent eight years developing the project, which was filmed over four years with one week of shooting annually. The production employed largely inexperienced department heads and an all-Uruguayan cast, intentionally blending documentary-style realism with fictional narrative. Post-production work is expected to conclude by the end of 2026. Juan G. Castro, founder of the Netherlands-based distributor, expressed enthusiasm for adding the film to their slate, praising Dell’Acqua’s distinctive voice within Latin American arthouse cinema and affirming the company’s commitment to bringing the work to international audiences.
Originally reported by Variety →
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