Latin Quarter Nabs Uruguayan Crime Thriller ‘Maltrato Animal’

Latin Quarter Distribution has acquired world sales rights to José Dell’Acqua’s Uruguayan crime thriller “Maltrato Animal” (“Animal Budget”).

The deal was closed after a screening of “Maltrato Animal” at Locarno’s First Look, a pix-in-post competition focused on rough-cut screenings of emerging and established talent from a territory around the world, this year Uruguay.

Presented in Locarno by the Agencia del Cine y el Audiovisual del Uruguay (ACAU), which is still building Uruguay’s film-TV ecosysytem, the film, currently in the editing stage, is set against the backdrop of Uruguay’s 2002 economic crisis and explores a generation shaped by that pivotal moment in the country’s history.

Bankrupted by the financial crisis, a Montevideo veterinarian is pushed to desperate straits and doesn’t have enough money to eat. In order to survive, he enters a clandestine network of illegal breeding operations and pharmaceutical peddling. In this downward spiral, an unexpected encounter potentially opens a new chapter in his life.

Produced by Dell’Acqua and German Ormaechea, the film was shot over a four-year period — one week each year — with the support of numerous Uruguayan technicians and rental companies. The project brought together many first-time department heads, including cinematographer Germán Couto and costume designer Victoria Zavaleta, as well as an entirely Uruguayan cast, according to Dell’Aqua. Developed over eight years, the film blends fiction and reality to portray a deeply personal and collective memory. 

“‘Maltrato Animal’ was born from the need to revisit the generation that grew up during Uruguay’s 2002 economic crisis,” Dell’Acqua said. “Over eight years, I wrote, directed, and produced the film, seeking to blur the boundaries between fiction and reality. It is also a celebration of the talent of a new generation of Uruguayan filmmakers, many of whom took on leading creative roles in their first feature film.” 

“After such a long and personal journey with ‘Maltrato Animal,’ I’m very happy to begin this next stage with Latin Quarter Distribution,” Dell’Aqua told Variety. “Their bold approach and distinctive curation feel deeply aligned with the spirit of the film. I believe they understand the kind of cinema we are trying to make and, most importantly, have the commitment and passion to bring it to audiences beyond Uruguay.” 

Juan G. Castro, founder and managing director of The Hague-based Latin Quarter Distribution, added:  “We’re excited to add ‘Maltrato Animal’ to the Latin Quarter slate. We’re always searching for new gems and distinctive voices in Latin American arthouse cinema, and José Dell’Acqua’s first feature immediately stood out to us. Discovering the film through ACAU’s presentation of Uruguayan cinema at Locarno makes this acquisition particularly meaningful, and we’re proud to support a film that showcases the talent and originality emerging from Uruguay today.” 

Post-production on “Maltrato Animal” is expected to be completed by the end of 2026.