The 200 films from 55 countries brought 102,000 ticket payers to the cinema screens, 8% more than in 2019, the year in which the previous record was set.

The most popular event in the program of this edition of TIFF was the special screening on the last night of the festival.

Official Competition, the new film of the Argentine directorial duo Mariano Cohn and Gastón Duprat, attracted over 3,200 ticket payers in Unirii Open Air.

In the Official Competition, a billionaire decides to produce a legendary film and looks for the best in the industry. Renowned director Lola Cuevas (Penélope Cruz) is chosen to direct, and is soon joined by two incredibly talented actors: Félix Rivero (Antonio Banderas), adored in Hollywood, and the radical theater actor Iván Torres (Oscar Martínez).

They're both legends, but not good friends. When Lola tests them more and more eccentrically, Félix and Iván will have not only to face each, but also re-evaluate themselfs.

The film distributed by Prorom, Official Competition will soon premiere in Romania on VOD platforms.

Foto by Nicu Cherciu / TIFF.

Audiences loved Official Competition, by Argentine directors Gastón Duprat and Mariano Cohn, starring Antonio Banderas and Penelope Cruz. The film is in the main competition at Venice, which ends September 11.

Here are some reviews:

"This classy palate-cleanser in Venice’s 2021 selection has distinct upmarket commercial prospects and will be an irresistible choice for fests". "Richly witty, packed with psychological hairpin bends". (Jonathan Romney, ScreenDaily).

"... the Spanish comedy-drama is a highly entertaining entry with winning performances from Penelope Cruz, Antonio Banderas and Oscar Martínez" (Anna Smith, Deadline).

"...two hours of sharp reflections deliciously wrapped in entertaining antics." (Lovia Gyarkye, The Hollywood Reporter).

"Big laughs and searing insights into the artistic process power this highly enjoyable film world satire." (David Jenkins, Little White Lies).

Following the presentation of exclusive footage at the European Film Market last week, highly anticipated title Official Competition – reuniting Spanish stars Antonio Banderas and Penélope Cruz – has seized sales to major distributors for sales agency Protagonist Pictures and producer The Mediapro Studio.

Official Competition is a comedy about the fierce rivalry between two actors with massive talent but even bigger egos.

The film is directed by Argentinian duo Mariano Cohn and Gastón Duprat, whose credits include 2016 black comedy The Distinguished Citizen, which played in Venice Film Festival Official Competition.

George Hamilton, head of sales at Protagonist, said: “Official Competition has landed with amazing distribution partners all around the world and they are all just as excited as we are for the film’s launch later this year!”.

Axel Böhm, COO and Head of Acquisition, Sales & Marketing at Prorom said: „We are delighted to bring Official Competition to our audience in Central & Eastern Europe this year, and together with them we can’t wait to see the sparks fly between Penelope Cruz and Antonio Banderas on the screen!”.

Prorom will release Official Competition in cinemas soon.

Image ©ProtagonistPictures.com
Source: Variety.