Posted: Wed., May 28, 2008, 8:13am PT

Madrid de Cine to screen 40 films

'Kiss You,' 'Lazy Days' among selections

MADRID -- Albert Espinosa's "Don't Ask Me to Kiss You Because I Will," Jesus Ponce's "Lazy Days" and, if ready on time, Gerardo Herrero's "Que parezca un accidente" will have their market bows at the third Madrid de Cine-Spanish Film Screenings.

Aimed at boosting sales, co-productions and shoots, Spain's only dedicated film screenings event runs June 8-10.

Espinosa's feature debut, an adaptation of his own stage hit, is the latest offering from "The Orphanage" producers Rodar y Rodar. "Don't Ask Me" will world preem at Madrid and has been picked up for international by Madrid-based sales consortium 6 Sales.

Ponce's "Lazy Days" turns on three slackers suddenly energized when a girl joins their group.

"Accidente" stars Carmen Maura as a mother determined to get rid of her philandering son-in-law. If ready, the comedy will be unveiled at an invitation-only screening, said sources at sales company Latido.

Another potential attraction could be the long-in-post production "Manolete," announced Wednesday at the official presentation of Madrid de Cine in Spain's capital city.

Directed by Menno Meyjes, the bullfighter love story toplines Adrien Brody and Penelope Cruz -- but a copy may not be ready in time for screening.

Organized by Spain's producers association, Fapae, Madrid de Cine will unspool 40 or so films.

Some 146 companies have signed on for the event. These include Paramount, Lionsgate, HBO, Magnolia Pictures and the Sundance Channel; Venevision Intl., a prolific buyer of Spanish films for the U.S.; and the TLA Entertainment Group. From the U.K., Reel Rights and Parasol Pics look set to attend.

"The buyers list includes a lot of decisionmakers. This can be a good opportunity to close deals started in Cannes," said Imagina Intl. Sales head of film Beatriz Setuain.


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