Cannes: ‘Neruda’ Lands North American Home With The Orchard

The Orchard has acquired North American rights to Pablo Larrain’s Neruda, starring Gael Garcia Bernal.

The Participant Media film, which revolves around Chilean politician-poet Pablo Neruda, played by Luis Gnecco, made its world premiere at the Cannes Film Film Festival on Friday to strong reviews. The Orchard and Participant Media are planning a fall release in theaters, timed to awards season.

Written by Guillermo Calderon, Neruda also stars Mercedes Moran. Bernal plays an inspector who, after the Chilean government outlawed communism, organized a manhunt to track down and arrest the left-wing artist.

THR‘s review called the film “a highly original investigation of the truth-fiction divide.”

“Neruda blew us away, full stop. Pablo has created a lush, layered film of beauty filled with amazing performances and a style so unique and compelling,” said Paul Davidson, executive vp film and television at the Orchard.

Participant co-financed the film, which is aiming to make an awards play. CAA, which reps Larrain, negotiated the deal for North American rights.

Larrain, who is additionally handled by Management 360, is making waves at Cannes with another movie: Jackie, which stars Natalie Portman as Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. Earlier this week, a promo of the film was shown to U.S. and foreign buyers at Cannes, sparking keen interest.