FridayOL

Following the success of his gripping Netflix crime drama Below Zero, filmmaker Lluís Quílez is set to direct Elegido (Chosen), a compelling Spanish-language thriller that dives deep into the complexities of racial tensions and social unrest. The project, produced by the team behind Sorry, Baby, draws its inspiration from the infamous El Ejido race riots, a series of violent incidents that shook Spain in 2000.

Elegido promises to be a powerful and unsettling exploration of prejudice, fear, and the fragility of social order. Quílez, known for his ability to create suspenseful and character-driven narratives, will bring his signature style to this sensitive and timely subject matter. The film aims to go beyond simple retelling of events, instead focusing on the human stories and the underlying societal issues that fueled the riots.

The El Ejido riots, which erupted after the murder of a young Moroccan migrant worker, saw widespread violence and clashes between locals and immigrant communities. The events exposed deep-seated racial tensions and sparked a national debate about immigration and integration in Spain. Elegido intends to examine these events through a nuanced lens, exploring the perspectives of various characters caught in the crossfire – from the victims and perpetrators to the bystanders and those who sought to maintain order.

“This is a story that needs to be told,” says Quílez. “The El Ejido riots were a pivotal moment in Spanish history, and their legacy continues to resonate today. Elegido is not just a thriller; it’s a social commentary that aims to provoke discussion and understanding.”

The production team is committed to portraying the events with accuracy and sensitivity, working closely with historians and community representatives to ensure authenticity. They also plan to cast a diverse group of actors to reflect the multicultural nature of the region.

Elegido is expected to be a significant cinematic event, attracting both critical acclaim and audience interest. With Quílez’s proven track record and the compelling subject matter, the film has the potential to become a landmark exploration of a dark chapter in Spanish history, prompting viewers to confront uncomfortable truths about prejudice and social division. The project is currently in pre-production, with filming slated to begin later this year. The anticipation for this film is already high, and it's poised to be a major talking point within the Spanish film industry and beyond.

The involvement of the Sorry, Baby production team further strengthens the project’s prospects, signaling a commitment to quality and a focus on delivering a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant film. Elegido is shaping up to be more than just a thriller; it’s a crucial piece of social storytelling.