Home / Arts and Entertainment / Chilean Film Funding Cut Amidst International Acclaim
Chilean Film Funding Cut Amidst International Acclaim
20 Aug
Summary
- Mubi acquired 'The Meltdown,' set in post-Pinochet Chile.
- Chilean government announced budget cuts to arts funding.
- Filmmakers warn cuts undermine cinema's international success.
Global film distributor Mubi has acquired "The Meltdown" (El Deshielo), directed by Chile's Manuela Martelli. The film, which had its world premiere at the Cannes Film Festival last May, is set to stream later this year. It will also be featured at the San Sebastian Film Festival in September.
The drama is set at an Andes ski resort in post-Pinochet Chile and follows a young girl's experiences witnessing unsettling events. The cast includes Maya O'Rourke in her debut role, alongside other notable actors.
Despite Chilean cinema enjoying significant international recognition, with three films at Cannes this year, the country's government has announced budget cuts to the Ministry of Culture. The Audiovisual Investment Support Fund is set to drop by 64% from 2026 to 2027.
Producers and industry leaders express deep concern over these cuts. They argue that reducing cultural funding, especially when Chilean cinema is gaining global momentum, could jeopardize progress and impact the industry's ecosystem, affecting storytelling and employment opportunities.
