In a significant cinematic development, Bendita Film Sales has once again partnered with the esteemed Chilean directorial team, Cristóbal León and Joaquín Cociña, to manage the global distribution rights for their latest animated feature, "Donkey Princess." This enchanting film is set to captivate international audiences with its world premiere at the prestigious Locarno Film Festival, where it will contend in the main International Competition. This collaboration reinforces the successful relationship established through their prior critically acclaimed works, "The Wolf House" and "The Hyperboreans."

Bendita Film Sales Secures International Rights for León & Cociña's Enchanting 'Donkey Princess' Ahead of Locarno Debut

On July 9, 2026, the global film sales company Bendita Film Sales announced its acquisition of the international distribution rights for "Donkey Princess," the highly anticipated new film from the renowned Chilean directing pair, Cristóbal León and Joaquín Cociña. This marks the third feature for the duo, following their acclaimed works "The Wolf House" and "The Hyperboreans," the latter of which premiered at Cannes' Directors' Fortnight. "Donkey Princess" is poised for its world premiere within the main International Competition at the Locarno Film Festival, highlighting its significance on the global cinematic stage.

The narrative of "Donkey Princess" unfolds in a whimsical fairy-tale realm where the very essence of love has been outlawed. The story centers on Princess Diana, whose father, King Arthur, imposes this decree after the tragic passing of her mother. At the age of fifteen, Diana experiences the stirrings of affection for Lalo, a young man hailing from a neighboring kingdom. Upon discovering their romance, the King banishes Lalo, prompting Diana to embark on a perilous journey. Utilizing a mystical bracelet, she traverses various worlds and parallel space-times in a determined quest to reunite with her lost love and fulfill her dreams.

León and Cociña have described "Donkey Princess" as their innovative approach to reinterpreting the history of fantasy cinema. The film guides Princess Diana through an array of fantastical realms, each representing a distinct cinematic genre, transitioning seamlessly from medieval fantasy to settings reminiscent of Hitchcock's suspenseful interiors, then to retro sci-fi landscapes, and ultimately, into tangible, real-world locations. The directors further noted that this project distinguishes itself from their previous creations through the inclusion of actors performing in a naturalistic style, set against dynamically evolving visual backdrops. The production is a collaborative effort between León & Cociña Films and Globo Rojo Films in Chile, with co-production support from Metonymie in France, Viking Film in the Netherlands, Montelona Films in Uruguay, and Autentika Films in Germany. The film's musical score is composed by Jean-Benoît Dunckel, celebrated as one half of the French electronic duo AIR, known for his previous work on films such as Sofia Coppola's "The Virgin Suicides."

This announcement by Bendita Film Sales and the detailed insights into "Donkey Princess" offer a compelling glimpse into the evolving landscape of global cinema. The film's unique blend of genres, innovative storytelling, and a narrative that defies conventional boundaries underscore the directors' commitment to pushing artistic limits. The choice of the Locarno Film Festival for its premiere speaks volumes about the film's artistic merit and its potential to resonate with a diverse international audience. As the film industry continues to grapple with new forms of expression and distribution, projects like "Donkey Princess" serve as a vibrant reminder of cinema's enduring power to transport, challenge, and inspire viewers across cultural divides. The collaboration between Bendita Film Sales and León & Cociña also highlights the growing importance of international partnerships in bringing unique artistic visions to a worldwide platform.