Full Breakdown
FirstGen Announces Production of *The Third Hotel* Film Adaptation
5/13/2026, 12:55:17 AM
Core Development Details
FirstGen, behind *Bird* (Mubi) and *On Swift Horses* (Sony Pictures Classics), is developing a film of Laura van den Berg’s 2018 novel *The Third Hotel*. Michelle Garza Cervera directs; Isa Mazzei writes. No release date is set.
Background & Context
The novel follows widowed Clare, who travels to Latin America after her husband Richard’s death and meets a man who appears to be Richard, sparking an obsessive, reality-bending pursuit. It was a 2018 NYPL Young Lions finalist.
Key Figures & Groups
Laura van den Berg (Curtis Brown Group) wrote *The Third Hotel* and *Find Me*. Director Michelle Garza Cervera (Mexico City) won Tribeca’s Best New Narrative Director and Nora Ephron Awards for *Huesera*. Screenwriter Isa Mazzei (Anonymous Content) is known for *Cam*.
Data & Statistics
*The Third Hotel* (2018) was a NYPL Young Lions finalist. Cervera’s *Huesera* won Tribeca awards in 2022. Mazzei’s *Cam* earned Best Screenplay and Best First Feature at Fantasia. FirstGen’s slate includes *The Testament of Ann Lee*, *Bird*, *On Swift Horses*.
Why It Matters
The adaptation brings a critically acclaimed psychological horror to a wider audience, highlighting emerging Mexican talent and demonstrating how independent studios can translate literary suspense into mainstream cinema.
Official Statements & Responses
Cervera said she is thrilled to adapt the eerie novel and grateful to work with Mazzei and FirstGen. Mazzei highlighted the book’s surreal tone; D’Alto praised the team’s vision.
Criticism & Opposition
No public criticism or opposition to the adaptation has been reported in the available sources.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I’m so thrilled to work on an adaptation of such an eerie and brilliant novel alongside Isa Mazzei, whose work I’m a real fan of, and FirstGen, who have made films I love. I’m honored to be part of it.” — Michelle Garza Cervera, Director
- “The book is wonderfully surreal and deeply unsettling in a way that lingered with me. I’m excited to be able to translate that feeling into a cinematic experience, and I feel lucky to be collaborating with such a thoughtful and talented team.” — Isa Mazzei, Screenwriter
- “This is a wonderful creative team adapting a haunting and beautiful book. We are honored to work with them to actualize their vision, and can’t wait for everyone to see this film.” — Michael D’Alto, FirstGen
- “Lost in a new, unfamiliar city, she spots a man in the street, and it’s not just someone who looks like Richard, it’s him in the flesh.” — Synopsis, *The Third Hotel* novel
