"Especial"
"Especial", the co-production of Somos Films made its world premiere at the Chicago International Film Festival, competing in the New Directors section and receiving the Silver Hugo award in this category. The festival is considered one of the most prestigious international cinema events in the United States.
"Especial" is a co-production of Somos Films (USA), El Dorado Films (Venezuela), and Divarte Cine (Venezuela), and is directed by Ignacio Marquez, whose work receives deserved recognition. Both protagonists (Greyber Rengifo, actor with Down syndrome, and Ruper Vásquez, Venezuelan musician) had their first acting job in this film, with personifications marked by great emotion and professionalism.
Luis Villanueva, President, and CEO of Somos Films, expressed his satisfaction: “the recognition of 'Especial 'fills us with pride, it is a film with great sensitivity and love for truly special people. The story is treated with sensitivity by Ignacio Marquez, a director who took on a great challenge and executed it with skill and art.”
"Especial" tells the story of Chúo, a charming young man who must navigate the challenges of early adulthood with Down syndrome, as he seeks to build a life independent of his troubled father, a frustrated percussionist, and alcoholic, who struggles to give the best to his son.
Music has an important weight within the scenes, salsa and Latin jazz become one more character in the story. The film has a special performance by Alfredo Naranjo and his Be Jazz Sessions (quartet), who not only makes an appearance in front of the camera, but is also responsible for the music of the film.
Somos Films has produced quality portfolio with its productions in a short time that includes titles such as "El Paraíso de la Serpiente" (participant in the Morelia International Film Festival, Beinjing International Film Festival, International Film Festival of Guanajuato, among others), "Muerte en Berruecos" (which participates in the Goya awards) and "Voy Por Ti" (participant in the Miami Film Festival). The company is currently producing the films "Al Revés" and "El Quinceañero de mi Abuela".