Chilean director Juan Pablo Sallato's debut feature 'The Red Hangar' has been acquired by Pragda for distribution in the U.S. and Canada, marking the company's first all-rights acquisition in these territories.
International Sales Expansion
International sales agency Premium Films/MPM Premium has secured additional deals for 'The Red Hangar' in Spain (Festival Films), Italy (I Wonder), Greece (Weird Wave), Poland (Cinobo), and Chile (Storyboard Media).
Pragda CEO Marta Sanchez stated, "'The Red Hangar' represents the kind of socially conscious thriller we are eager to introduce to the North American market. It's a film with contemporary relevance and exceptional quality."
Festival Success and Critical Acclaim
The film premiered at the Berlinale’s Perspectives sidebar and was swiftly acquired by Premium Films in collaboration with MPM Premium. It later triumphed at the Guadalajara Film Festival, where it garnered significant recognition.
Set during the first three days of Chile's 1973 military coup, the film explores the resistance faced by Air Force officers and soldiers opposing the overthrow of President Salvador Allende, offering a fresh perspective on historically suppressed events.
Adapting Historical Accounts
Based on Fernando Villagrán’s book 'Shoot the Flock,' the story follows Captain Jorge Silva, portrayed by Nicolás Zárate, as he navigates the transformation of the Air Force Academy into a detention and torture center, known as the 'Red Hangar.'
"The film's festival run has been exceptional, with positive critical responses praising its format, cinematography, and performances," noted Natalia Isotta, head of Ibero-American sales at MPM Premium.
Production and Co-production
'The Red Hangar' is produced by Villano Producciones (Chile) under the leadership of Juan Ignacio Sabatini, with co-production involvement from Brava Cine and HD Argentina (Argentina), Rain Dogs, Berta Films, and Caravan (Italy), and participation from TVN Italia.
Prior to its success in Guadalajara, the film also won four awards at the Malaga Film Festival, including the Audience Award. Nicolás Zárate received the Silver Biznaga for his performance as Captain Silva.
Source: https://variety.com/2026/film/global/chile-pinochet-the-red-hangar-sales-u-s-spain-italy-1236751093/
