Argentina’s Twins Latin Films has boarded Natalia Smirnoff’s upcoming feature “Roger on the Loose” (“Roger suelto”), which is poised to shoot next year in the forests and sierras of Córdoba, Argentina.
Led by producers Lorena Quevedo and Pablo Di Patrizio, Twins Latin Films joins Argentina’s Año Cero, Spain’s Fasten Films and Mexico’s Maria Jose Cordova of Somos Maravillosa to co-produce the drama.
Meanwhile, Twin Latins Films is participating in Iberseries & Platino Industria’s co-production forum with sports family dramedy “Tiempo fuera.”
“Roger on the Loose” marks a new milestone in Smirnoff’s career, best known for “Puzzle” (Berlinale) and “Lock Charmer” (Sundance).
Drama follows Roger, a 33-year-old neurodivergent man living with his sister, Margarita, in their family’s guesthouse nestled in a quiet mountain town. Deeply fascinated by fungi and their ecological mysteries, Roger lives a carefully structured life – one that begins to unravel with the arrival of curious tourists and, in particular, Lucy, who is drawn to the area in search of hallucinogenic mushrooms. As their connection deepens, long-buried desires surface, pushing Roger to confront his growing need for independence and the limits of his reliance on his sister – ultimately setting him on a path toward self-discovery.
Smirnoff co-penned the screenplay with María Meira, whose notable credits include “The Substitute” and “Una especie de familia.”
“When Federico invited us to join ‘Roger on the Loose,’ it felt incredibly meaningful – a project that combines Natalia’s artistic strength with the urgent need to give voice to neurodiversity and environmental themes, all set against the rich backdrop of Córdoba’s natural landscapes and local talent,” said Quevedo and Di Patrizio.
“Bringing on partners with experience, energy and commitment is key at this stage of the project. We are also excited to shoot in Córdoba, which has been consolidating as one of the country’s strongest audiovisual hubs,” said Federico Sande Novo of Año Cero.
Cordoba offers a 40% cash rebate program, which provides a beacon of hope for many local beleaguered filmmakers who can no longer count on the support of the National Film Institute, INCAA under the administration of President Milei.
Twins Latin Films’ credits include “El Casero” (Best Director, Mar del Plata) and “Almamula” (Berlinale Generation).
Año Cero produced Sebastián Muñoz’s “The Prince,” winner of a Queer Lion, Venice, while Barcelona-based Fasten Films’ slate includes “Mediterráneo” and Cannes Golden Camera winner “Inside the Yellow Cocoon Shell.”
Maria Jose Cordova of Somos Maravillosa is best known for backing such popular titles as “The House of Flowers,” “Holy Family” and “Someone Has to Die.”
The production team is completed by Rossana Baumeister (“Daughter of Rage”) who serves as an executive producer.
