Swiss Production Company Alina Film Takes Majority Role in Highly Anticipated Period Road Movie “The Indies

Swiss production company Alina Film is taking a major step into Spanish-language cinema with its latest project, the period road movie The Indies (Les Indes), which will make its first public appearance as a work in progress at the ECAM Forum co-production market in Madrid from June 9 to 11.

The film marks Alina Film’s first majority production in Spanish cinema, following its earlier collaboration as a minority partner on Spain’s Toronto-winning drama They Will Be Dust. The new venture is produced in partnership with Lastor Media, the same Spanish production house behind the acclaimed They Will Be Dust, which won the top prize at the Toronto International Film Festival in 2024.

In a move that signals growing confidence in the project, Switzerland’s Sister Distribution has also boarded The Indies for international sales. Speaking exclusively to Variety, Sister Distribution’s head of acquisitions described the film as not character-driven but image-driven, emphasizing its visual and atmospheric appeal over traditional narrative structures.

While details about the film’s plot, cast, and director remain under wraps ahead of its Madrid debut, the project’s presence at ECAM Forum—one of Europe’s most important co-production markets—underscores its ambition to secure financing and partnerships before entering full production. The ECAM Forum, now in its 15th edition, serves as a key platform for European filmmakers to connect with investors, distributors, and collaborators.

Alina Film, founded by producer Milagros Mumenthaler, has built a reputation for bold, visually striking projects with international appeal. They Will Be Dust, their first Spanish collaboration, was praised for its raw storytelling and historical depth, and its success at Toronto opened doors for further cross-border productions. The Indies appears poised to build on that momentum, though its exact tone—whether a sweeping epic or a more intimate character study—remains to be revealed.

The film’s sneak peek at ECAM Forum will offer industry insiders their first look at the project’s visual identity and narrative direction. If the reception aligns with early expectations, The Indies could emerge as another high-profile entry in the growing wave of European co-productions blending historical themes with contemporary storytelling.

For now, the focus remains on Madrid, where the film’s producers will engage with potential investors and distributors eager to back a project that bridges Swiss precision with Spanish cinematic flair.