Ivan Sanchez and Pepe Ocio in 'Issac'
Spanish sales outfit Alief has racked up a series of international territory deals for Issac, a romantic drama from directors Ángeles Hernández and David Matamoros, about two childhood friends who reconnect as adults.
Hernández and Matamoros were both producers on Netflix's Spanish-language horror hit The Platform. Issac is their directorial debut. London-based Matchbox Films has picked up rights in the U.K., Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand for the Issac, which stars Iván Sánchez (Amazon's Small Coincidences) and Pepe Ocio (Netflix series High Seas), as Denis and Nacho, two close childhood friends who reconnect 16 years after they leave high school. They are both in relationships with women -played by Erika Bleda (HBO's La Veneno) and Maria Ribera (Netflix Loco Por Ella) -but feel drawn to one another. Things are complicated further when Denis, who needs money for a business venture, doesn't hesitate in asking Nacho for a loan.
Hernández and Matamoros also produced Issac via their Barcelona-based Mr. Miyagi Films shingle. They co-wrote the script with Antonio Hernández Centeno, based on his play, El día que nació Isaac.
"At Matchbox we are thrilled to have acquired Spanish drama Isaac and continue our close partnership with Brett and Miguel from Alief," said Matchbox managing director Murray Dibbs in a statement. "It's a beautifully-shot film with a great story that explores the different paths chosen in life and has great performances from the two lead actors, Ivan Sanchez and Pepe Ocio. "
Matchbox is planning a limited theatrical/premium VOD release in May followed by home entertainment and transactional bows across all platforms in June, timed to Pride Month in the U.K. and Ireland.
Ahead of the European Film Market, Alief closed a U.S. deal for Issac with Breaking Glass Pictures, who are planning to bow the movie stateside this summer. The online-only, 2021 European Film Market runs through Friday, March 5.