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Stereotyping is a sin both in art and in life. Films, both as a piece of art and as a superstructure, (to borrow a descriptor used by film critic Roger Garcia) often commit this, however, shoehorning great talents in roles that almost never really define the breadth of their competence. The late Filipina actress Cherie Gil, who local filmgoers have generally identified more as an actress suited for the role of the antagonist, has more than proven she can do more than one kind of characterization; however, in classics such as “Manila by Night” (1980) and Oro, “Plata Mata” (1982) and arguably in the most multidinous way possible in “Sonata,” a 2013 independent movie which also won her the best actress accolade at the 2015 Asean International Film Festival and Awards.

“Sonata” is about Regina Cadena, an opera singer who experiences a downward spiral after she loses the ability to sing. It is also,...

Screen investigates which films from around the world could launch on the Croisette, including on opening night.

With just over a month to go before the line-up for this year’s Cannes Film Festival is unveiled in Paris, Croisette predictions and wish lists are hitting the web thick and fast.

Screen’s network of correspondents and contributors around the world have been putting out feelers to get a sense of what might or might not make it to the Palais du Cinéma or one of the parallel sections.

Just like the Oscars, this year’s festival is likely to unfold amid a politically-charged atmosphere. Beyond Trump and the rise of populism across the globe, France will be digesting the result of its own presidential election on May 7. Against this background, the festival will be feting its 70th edition.

Below, Screen reveals which titles might - and might not - be in the running for a place at the...

Oro

Director: Agustin Diaz Yanes

Writer: Agustin Diaz Yanes

One of Spain’s most unappreciated directors (at least as far as international renown) is Agustin Diaz Yanes.

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Among the most anticipated Spanish productions of the year are a Paleolithic period drama, the new Almodovar and a regal role for Penelope Cruz.A Monster Calls

Dir Ja Bayona

A Monster Calls completes Bayona’s trilogy exploring motherhood, after The Orphanage and The Impossible. Patrick Ness has adapted his novel about a boy who seeks refuge in a fantasy world. The English-language film, which shot in Spain and the UK, stars Liam Neeson. It is a Spain-us co-production between Apaches Entertainment with Telecinco Cinema, Peliculas La Trini, Participant Media, River Road Entertainment and Lionsgate. Set for release in the autumn, it will be distributed in Spain by Universal Pictures International, in the Us by Focus and in the UK via eOne.

Contact Lionsgate International: www.lionsgate.com

Abracadabra

Dir Pablo Berger

Berger’s follow-up to Blancanieves again stars Maribel Verdu, this time as a housewife determined to fight the spirit possessing her husband. Set to shoot...

Oro

Director: Agustin Diaz Yanes

Writer: Arturo Perez-Reverte

One of Spain’s most unappreciated directors (at least as far as international renown) is Agustin Diaz Yanes. If you haven’t seen his 2001 sophomore film Don’t Tempt Me starring Penelope Cruz and Victoria Abril as representatives of Heaven and Hell duking it out over the soul of Demain Bichir’s broody boxer, you’re missing out. After the large scale international co-production Alatriste (2006) starring Viggo Mortensen (see set pic above), Yanes reunited with Abril for the revenge thriller Walking Vengeance (aka Just Walking) in 2008. He’s been quiet since, but will be adapting another work by celebrated author Arturto Perez-Reverte (who penned the novel upon which Alatriste is based) this year with Oro, a period adventure inspired by 16th century Spanish conquistadors searching for gold in the Amazon jungle. Sony Pictures Spain just recently boarded the project which will star...

The film follows two Spanish conquistadors searching for the mythical city of gold.

Sony Pictures Spain will join Atresmedia Cine and Apache Films to co-produce Oro (Gold) and the studio will distribute in Spain, Latin America and the Us.

Goya Award-winner Agustín Díaz Yanes will direct from a short story by bestselling novelist Arturo Perez Reverte.

Oro is a period adventure inspired by the expedition of 16th century Spanish conquistadors Lope de Aguirre and Nuñez de Balboa and follows their trek through the Amazonian jungle in search of a mythical city of gold.

Sony Pictures Spain managing director Ivan Losada said: “Given Reverte’s thrilling story, Yanes’ skill and vision as a filmmaker, and the combined experience and passion of Apache Films and Atresmedia, Oro is a great fit for Sony Espana.”

Yanes and Reverte collaborated on the Goya Award-winning box office hit Alatriste starring Viggo Mortensen.