ÍDOLOS: Mat Whitecross’ New MotoGP Sports Actioner Launches At Cannes For Buyers
A first look at Spanish sports action thriller, Ídolos (or Idols), is being shown to buyers at Cannes according to a new announcement on Friday. Film Mode Entertainment is repping the pic internationally for sales excluding Spain and Italy (and non-exclusively in North America, UK and Latin America) and is joined by 4 CATS Pictures and by Warner Bros. Pictures who will release the film in both European countries later this year.
Leading man Óscar Casas (Mi soledad tiene alas, Últimas voluntades, HollyBlood, El sueño de Iván, The Orphanage) plays Edu, a fiery young motorcycle racer who throws away his shot at the junior championship in a reckless crash, only to receive a surprise offer from a coveted top Moto2™ team that gives him a chance at redemption. But to claim it, he must train under his estranged father, Toni (Claudio Santamaria – Casino Royale, They Call Me Jeeg), a disgraced former world champion haunted by a tragic past. As the father and son battle personal demons, media scrutiny, and a ruthless racing circuit, their fractured bond is pushed to the limit by ambition, love, and the unforgiving speed of the sport. With a wildcard entry into MotoGP on the line, they must confront the wreckage of their relationship to seize a future—on and off the track.
Ídolos also stars actress and multi-platinum award-winning singer, Ana Mena (Pedro Almodóvar’s The Skin I Live In, Celia Rico’s Viaje al cuarto de una madre), Enrique Arce (Knightfall, Money Heist), Saul Nanni (The Leopard, Brado, Here Now), and Mario Ermito (Ask Me What You Want, Elite). The film is directed by Mat Whitecross, (Oasis: Supersonic, Berlinale 2006 Best Director winner The Road to Guantanamo) from an original idea by Jordi Gasull who penned the script next to Inma Cánovas, and Ricky Roxburgh.
Gasull (Mummies, Tad the Last Explorer) and Toni Novella (Pain and Glory, The Skin I Live In) are producing for 4 CATS along with Marco Belardi (Diamonds and Perfect Strangers) from Greenboo Production and Warner Bros., as well as Warner Bros. Entertainment Spain, Mogambo Productions, Anangu Grup, Imperio Contraataca AIE, and Warner Bros. Entertainment Italy, with the participation of MAX and RTVE. It also has the support of the ICEC and funding from the ICAA, and the collaboration of MotoGP and its rights holder Dorna Sports.
The ten-week shoot took place in various locations in Barcelona and Valencia, as well as at world-renowned racetracks like the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Misano World Circuit in Italy, Motorland Aragon in Spain, Barcelona-Catalunya circuit near Barcelona, Jerez in Andalucia, Mobility Resort Motegi in Japan, and the Circuit Ricardo Torno in Valencia.
“I am thrilled to be working with our friends at Warner Bros Pictures Spain and Italy and producers Jordi and Toni to bring this incredible film to audiences worldwide. The scope of action and excitement is unmatched, and this is the first time this thrilling sport has ever been dramatized on the big screen,” said Clay Epstein, President of Film Mode.
“I started ‘Idols’ ten years ago in a totally unexpected way. I wanted to make a documentary about the risky life of a pilot. What makes them go at top speeds of more than 360 km/h and get up again and again after shocking crashes in which they really risk their lives. In my interview with Dorna, Manel Arroyo, who at the time was in charge of audiovisuals for the MotoGP promoter, told me: ‘Forget about documentaries. You make good films, why don’t you bring me ‘Days of Thunder’ on motorcycles?,” said Gasull.
“Thus, the idea of ‘Idols’ was born, where thanks to Dorna, I was able to learn what the life of a rider is like. In that process I was not alone, Inma Cánovas has been my faithful companion in that journey of writing ‘Idols’. The rest has been the result of our adventures together.” Gasull continued.
Film Mode Entertainment is repped by Lon Haber & Co | IPPR.
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