Chilean Directors Unveil Mind-Bending Fairy Tale

Chilean directors Cristóbal León and Joaquín Cociña are set to world premiere their third feature film, Donkey Princess (Princesa Burro), at the 79th Locarno Film Festival. The premiere is scheduled for Friday, August 7, marking a significant cinematic event for the filmmakers known for "The Wolf House" and "The Hyperboreans." This new film is described as an envelope-pushing fairy tale.

The narrative centers on Diana, a princess whose father, King Arthur, forbids love. When Diana falls for Lalo, he is banished. Armed with a magical bracelet, Diana embarks on a quest through various worlds to find her love. This journey allows the directors to explore different film periods and genres, with each universe transforming the movie's style.

León and Cociña see Donkey Princess as a reimagining of fantasy cinema history, blending tradition with their unique vision. Their previous works explored worlds of dreams and nightmares with spaces in constant construction and mutation. This film adapts these themes into a feature performed by actors, loosely inspired by the "Donkeyskin" tale. The cast includes Antonia Giesen, Andrew Bargsted, and Francisco Melo. Alejandra Moffat co-wrote the screenplay with the directors. The film features cinematography by Benjamín Echazarreta and editing by Soledad Salfate, Maria Salazar, León, and Cociña. Bendita Film Sales is handling international sales.