Aiming to enhance film and series development in the global market, a new production entity called Maquina has launched at the 72nd San Sebastian Film Festival.
Maquina is formed by three companies led by experienced Chilean producers: Augusto Matte’s Deptford Film, based in London; Úrsula Budnik’s Horamágica from Valdivia; and Fernando Bascuñán’s Planta located in Santiago. The goal of Maquina is to combine the strengths of its founding partners, all of whom are attending the festival.
“We’ve always wanted to work together. Maquina gives us a flexible structure that allows us to be more agile and practical,” Matte told Variety. He explained that the name is inspired by the idea of “machinic assemblages,” which refers to a dynamic system where various elements come together to create a functional whole without a fixed center.
Budnik added, “This means our structure operates as a collaborative network of three production companies, each contributing unique strengths and resources.” Bascuñán echoed this sentiment, noting that by integrating their capabilities, Maquina can manage complex, multi-territory projects more effectively.
At the festival, Maquina is involved in several projects. They are participating in San Sebastian’s annual WIP Latam program with Nayra Ilic’s “Cuerpo Celeste,” alongside co-producers Oro Films and Italy’s Dispàrte. Planta is also involved with the Co-Production Forum’s “Hard Boiled School” and co-presenting Federico Luis’ “Simón de la Montaña” in the festival’s Horizontes Latinos sidebar.
The first project from Maquina is “Daemon,” the debut feature from Valeria Hofmann, who gained recognition with her short film “AliEN0089.” This short premiered at Sundance, winning Best Director and earning awards at Clermont-Ferrand and Filmfest Dresden.
“Daemon” is a techno-horror film set in the Chilean coastal town of Valparaíso. It follows Liz, a young woman who becomes involved in a virtual relationship with a digital entity named Xin. As the boundaries between reality and technology blur, Liz faces a critical choice: retain her humanity or become lost in a dangerously immersive digital world. The film addresses themes of isolation, identity, and the darker sides of technology.
Since 2018, Matte has been based in London, overseeing complex co-productions across Latin America and Europe. His work has been featured at major film festivals, including Sundance, Berlin, Cannes, Venice, and Toronto. Before founding Deptford Film, he served as CEO and producer at Jirafa, where he significantly contributed to the careers of many filmmakers and managed various international projects, including Francisca Alegria’s “The Cow Who Sang a Song into the Future” and Hofmann’s “AliEN0089.” He holds a Master’s degree in Contemporary Art Theory from Goldsmiths, University of London.
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