Spanish directors' Netflix film tipped for Oscar glory

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 13 Oct, 22:02 · Archive

Spanish directors Javier Ambrossi and Javier Calvo's film 'La Bola Negra' is expected to challenge 'The Odyssey' for best picture.

Spanish writing-directing duo Javier Ambrossi and Javier Calvo have become central figures in the Oscar race with their film 'La Bola Negra', a $15 million queer epic about three gay men spanning the early 20th century, the Spanish Civil War and the modern day.

After being selected for Cannes Film Festival, the pair, known in Spain as Los Javis, won best director at the festival, sharing the award with Pawel Pawlikowski for 'Fatherland'. Netflix then emerged victorious in a bidding war for the film and committed to a 46-day exclusive cinema run, the longest the streamer has ever given a film. Ambrossi is 42 and Calvo is 35.

The film tells a story of generational pain and queer legacy with what the outlets describe as a grand, lyrical melancholy. It is expected to challenge 'The Odyssey' for best picture. Netflix will release 'La Bola Negra' in select theatres on Friday.

How it is being reported

• Los Javis storm global cinema with 'La Bola Negra.' It might mean Oscar glory for Netflix“La Bola Negra,” a $15 million Spanish queer epic, is expected to challenge “The Odyssey” for best picture.Clickorlando · 13 Oct, 21:20
• Los Javis storm global cinema with 'La Bola Negra.' It might mean Oscar glory for Netflix“La Bola Negra,” a $15 million Spanish queer epic, is expected to challenge “The Odyssey” for best picture.News4Jax · 13 Oct, 21:20

In this story: Javier Ambrossi · Javier Calvo · Netflix · Cannes Film Festival · Spain

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