Mediapro Studio Acquires International Rights to "The Marquise"

Mediapro Studio Distribution has secured the international rights to the period series "The Marquise" ("Leonor, Marquesa de Alorna"), which was showcased at the Berlin Film Festival. This adaptation of Maria João Lopo de Carvalho's bestselling novel is produced by Pandora da Cunha Telles and follows the life of Leonor de Almeida Portugal, Marquise of Alorna, a notable figure of the 18th century known for her contributions as a poet, diplomat, and revolutionary thinker. The series spans six episodes, detailing her journey from a convent in Lisbon to the royal court in Vienna and revolutionary France, ultimately returning to Portugal to challenge despotic rule and promote education.

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"The Marquise" is produced by Da Cunha Telles’ Lisbon-based Ukbar Filmes in collaboration with Spain’s Tornasol Films, recognized for its Oscar-winning work on "The Secret in Their Eyes." The series is set to premiere on the Portuguese public broadcaster RTP and Netflix in Portugal, marking a significant step in Mediapro's expansion of its distribution portfolio.

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At the Berlin Film Festival, Mediapro Studio also highlighted several other projects. Among them is "So Far So Good" ("El resto bien"), a dramedy by Daniel Burman, which will be available on the Argentine platform Flow. The series, featuring a successful comic book artist facing a mid-life crisis, stars actors such as Benjamín Vicuña and Rita Cortese.

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Another notable project is "Raza Brava," created by Hernán Caffiero, which is the first fiction series about the real-life Chilean soccer team Colo-Colo. This series, produced by DeCulto and Wild Sheep Content, follows Carlos “Barti” Aguilar, a young man from a working-class background who becomes embroiled in the complexities of wealth and power within the soccer fan community. The production incorporates thousands of real soccer fans as extras, enhancing its authenticity.

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While the acquisition of "The Marquise" and the presentation of other series at the Berlin Film Festival have been met with enthusiasm, there are concerns regarding the portrayal of historical figures and events in adaptations. Critics argue that dramatizations can sometimes oversimplify or misrepresent complex narratives, potentially leading to misconceptions about the historical context.

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Mediapro Studio has expressed its commitment to bringing diverse and compelling stories to international audiences. The studio's representatives emphasized the importance of "The Marquise" in showcasing a significant historical figure and the broader implications of her story in contemporary discussions about education and governance.

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Following its debut in Portugal, "The Marquise" is expected to reach international audiences, with potential discussions for further adaptations or related projects based on the historical themes explored in the series.

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