Paris-based sales company MPM Premium has secured international rights to the Chilean psychological thriller A Yard of Jackals (Patio de chacales), directed by Diego Figueroa. The film stars renowned Chilean actors Néstor Cantillana and Blanca Lewin, who previously collaborated on the HBO series Fugitives (Prófugos) directed by Pablo Larraín and Jonathan Jakubowicz.

Produced by Alejandro Ugarte of Santiago-based Infractor, the film is set to enhance MPM Premium’s catalog of Latin American cinema. Infractor co-produced the Málaga-winning title Perro Bomba alongside Chile’s Pejeperro Films and France’s Promenades Films. Ugarte expressed enthusiasm about the new partnership, stating, “We value MPM Premium’s reputation for excellence and diversity, and we believe that A Yard of Jackals will further enrich their portfolio of films, offering a unique and exciting cinematic experience for viewers around the world.”

The film marks Diego Figueroa’s debut feature and expands upon his short film Los Vecinos. It centers on Raúl, a humble and meek man who cares for his ailing mother while crafting architectural models. His life takes a dark turn when a group of menacing individuals moves into his neighborhood, causing his psyche to unravel.

Quentin Worthington, head of sales and acquisitions for MPM Premium, praised the film’s approach to the thriller genre. “Diego Figueroa renews the genre of crime and mystery thrillers common in Chilean cinema by focusing on an ordinary character that feels very close to the audience,” he said. “In the film, Raúl questions the terror that progressively expands, and while the danger grows, we advance with him into a terrifying truth that tests his deepest humanity.”

Worthington added, “We strongly believe that this gripping psychological thriller, which is perfectly paced, tense and captures the essence of what makes us human in front of pure terror, will translate to international audiences.”

A Yard of Jackals gained industry attention after presenting a work-in-progress version at Sanfic Industria’s Works In Progress strand, where it won awards and generated buzz. The film also participated in the IAFFM and Málaga’s Mafiz events.

Director Diego Figueroa spoke about the film’s development, stating, “I’m very pleased with the result of the film. I think it’s grown enormously from its WIP stage.” 

He highlighted the importance of sound design and visual elements, saying, “An intense soundtrack was produced that supports the narrative and the emotional weight of the story. Another essential aspect is the visual identity of colors and textures the film has, which was enhanced with the meticulous work of VFX and color correction.”

Figueroa also discussed the film’s setting during the Pinochet regime in 1978. “My intention was never to make a detailed historical breakdown of the dictatorship, but rather to capture the feeling of horror and dread that filled me when researching events that served as the basis for the story,” he explained. “What was repeated in the testimonies about the first stage of the dictatorship is that there wasn’t much talk about what was happening, but danger could be felt around every corner.”

Emphasizing the psychological depth of the film, Figueroa said, “My main goal is to place the viewer in the mind of the protagonist. To make the fiction go beyond the screen and move from the eyes to the mind. For me, that’s the main power of cinema—more than telling stories, it allows you to live them.”

The cast includes Grimanesa Jimenez, Consuelo Holzapfel, Maria Jesus Marcone, and Juan Cano, with voiceovers from Pablo Schwarz and Rodrigo Perez. A Yard of Jackals is scheduled for a Chilean theatrical release on January 23 via Storyboard Media.