Tag Archives: Ernesto Contreras

Ernesto Contreras’ “Tengo que morir todas las noches” Among Winners at Series Mania

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Ernesto Contreras is having a mania moment…

The 53-year-old Mexican film director and screenwriter is among the winners at this year’s Series Mania.

Ernesto ContrerasContreras picked up the award for Best Directing for his acclaimed project Tengo que morir todas las noches.

Meanwhile, Miguel Ángel Blanca has won the Best Series award for Autodefensa, a touching love letter to 1980’s Mexico City, framed by a coming-of-age tale, when a whole young generation of Mexicans discovered new freedoms, thanks in part to a glam gay scene, assailed by an autocratic regime and then AIDs.

This year’s festival has broadened its geographical reach in an effort to discover new narrative modes and styles.

Here’s a look at the winnerd:

Series Mania 2023 Prize Winners:

INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION

Grand Prize
“The Actor,” (Nima Javidi, Iran)

Best Writing
John Kâre Raake, Linn-Jeanethe Kyed (“The Fortresss,” Norway)

Best Actress
Margot Bancilhon (“Haven of Grace,” France)

Best Actor
Michael Sheen (“Best Interests,” United Kingdom)

INTERNATIONAL PANORAMA

Best Series
Blackwater,” (Mikael Marcimain, Sweden)

Best Directing
Ernesto Contreras (“Tengo que morir todas las noches,” Mexico)

Best Actress
Rotem Sela, Gal Malka (“A Body That Works,” Israel)

Best Actor
Eran Naim (“Innermost,” Germany, Israel)

Student award for Best Series
“Funny Woman,” (Oliver Parker, United Kingdom)

FRENCH COMPETITION

Best Series
“Under Control,” (Erwan Le Duc, France)

Best Actress
Clémentine Célarié (“Six women”)

Best Actor
Carel Brown (“Aspergirl,” France, Belgium)

Best Original Score
Maud Geffray, Rebeka Warrior (“Split” France)

SHORT FORMS COMPETITION

Best Series
“Autodefensa,” (Miguel Ángel Blanca, Spain)

COMEDY COMPETITION

Best Series by a high school students Jury of the Hauts-de-France
“Rictus,” (Arnaud Malherbe, France)

PUBLIC AWARD

Best Series
“Little Bird,” (Elle-Máijá Tailfeathers, Zoe Hopkins, Canada)

Carlos Contreras & Ernesto Contreras Team Up for Immigrant Drama “Crossing Borders”

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Carlos Contreras and Ernesto Contreras are crossing borders….

The Latino filmmaking brothers have joined forces for the immigrant drama Crossing Borders for Latitude Media and Wink Pictures.

Carlos Contreras & Ernesto Contreras

Based on a true story, the film follows a 14-year-old immigrant who flees rape and abuse in her native Guatemala. While in Florida, she gives birth to a premature baby and is later wrongfully charged with the murder of the child. A young female lawyer takes on the case and fights for years against stereotypes, systemic racism and a corrupt system to bring vindication to the young woman. 

Ernesto will direct the film based on the script written by Carlos.

“What fascinates me about this story is seeing a person slowly discover the depth of her commitment to finding justice, to doing what is right,” said Carlos of the very timely story of immigrants and social justice. “She becomes a hero without ever setting out to be one, which to me is what a hero really is.”

Ernesto adds “I’ve always been attracted to stories centered around the differences and similarities in cultures – but in today’s world, issues of injustice cut across all cultures.”

Producer Daria Jovicic said that the story of a generous stranger helping an immigrant with no resources resonated with her. 

“When you come to America from another country, this is the image that you bring with you,” she said. “It’s inspiring to know that these stories do actually exist. And for years I’ve admired the exceptional films that Carlos and Ernesto have done together. For me, this is a dream project — and these two artists are our dream team.”

The collaboration marks a reunion for the duo. The pair worked on the critically acclaimed and award-winning films I Dream in Another Language (2017) and Blue Eyelids (2007).

de la O to Portray Drug Kingpin Joaquin ‘El Chapo’ Guzmán in Univision’s Drama Series “El Chapo”

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Marco de la O is a smooth criminal…

The Colombian stage and screen actor will portray drug kingpin Joaquin ‘El Chapo’ Guzmán on El Chapo, the original drama series now set to premiere on Sunday, April 23 on Univision.

Marco de la O

The series, which marks the first co-production between Univision’s Story House Entertainment and Netflix, is currently in production and will air in three separate cycles. It explores the life story of El Chapo, one of the world’s most notorious criminals, over a span of three decades – from 1985 when he was a low-level member of the Guadalajara Cartel, his rise to power, and his ultimate downfall.

de la O previously starred in the Spanish-language television programs Tanto Amor and Salome.

Rounding out the cast are Humberto Busto (Amores Perros) as Attorney Conrado Sol, aka “Don Sol” (an important political party figure); Juan Carlos Olivas (180°) as El Güero (Joaquín’s main partner); Alejandro Aguilar (Rosario Tijeras) as Toño (Joaquín’s main assassin); Tete Espinoza (Wenses y Lala) as Chío (Joaquín’s lover); Rodrigo Abed (Revolución) as Amado (Mexican capo); Luis Rábago (Principio y Fin) as General Blanco (National Security Advisor); Cristina Michaus (El Tigre de Santa Julia) as Doña Esperanza (Joaquín’s mother); Valentina Acosta (Señora Acero) as Alejandra (Joaquín’s first wife); and Juliette Pardau (De Todas Maneras Rosa) as Graciela (Joaquín’s second wife).

El Chapo is created by Silvana Aguirre Zegarra and produced by Daniel Posada; the first season is directed by Jose Manuel Cravioto and Ernesto Contreras.

Guzmán, who has been accused by law enforcement of running the “largest drug trafficking organization in the world,” has long evaded authorities. After being captured by Mexican authorities in February 2014, he escaped from a maximum security Mexican prison in July 2015 by crawling through an opening in the shower of his cell block that led to a mile-long tunnel to freedom. He was recaptured nearly six months later and extradited to the U.S. earlier this year. His next scheduled court appearance is on May 5, 2017.

“We are thrilled to have Marco take on the role of ‘El Chapo’ as we begin to unfold the story of the most notorious drug lord of our times, revealing the man behind the myth,” said Christian Gabela, GM of Story House Entertainment. “We think viewers will be truly captivated by both Marco’s performance and this story of power, ambition, corruption, secrecy and deception.”

“The truly inspired casting of Marco de la O puts the last piece into place for bringing this innovative production to life,” said Lourdes Diaz, president of Entertainment, UCI. “By combining the world-class reporting and insights from Univision News’ investigative team with an outstanding team of talented storytellers and producers, Marco will dramatically help us pull back the curtain on the life of one of the most well-known criminals in modern history.”