Ilse Salas to Lead 'To Die on Your Feet,' Quijote Films Faces Funding Dispute

Mexican actress Ilse Salas, celebrated for her performance in 'The Good Girls,' is poised to take on the starring role in 'To Die on Your Feet,' a new dramedy from Quijote Films. This project was recently introduced at the Iberseries & Platino Industria in Madrid. The film explores themes of social critique, particularly the impact of artificial intelligence on human professions, through the story of an actress whose work as a simulated patient leads to a profound detachment from real-world empathy. Meanwhile, Quijote Films is embroiled in a controversy regarding the withdrawal of state funding for their co-production, 'The Smell of Apples,' highlighting the volatile nature of film financing.

The film, 'To Die on Your Feet,' marks the second fictional endeavor for Chilean director María Paz González, whose debut 'Lina de Lima' garnered international recognition at the Toronto Film Festival and secured an award at FIC Valdivia. González, also an accomplished journalist, is known for her 2011 documentary, 'Hija.' Her latest feature delves into the narrative of Cruz, an actress portraying simulated patients for medical training. The story takes a dramatic turn when Cruz witnesses a tragic incident but, due to her professional conditioning, fails to respond appropriately, leading to a personal crisis of conscience when her inaction is caught on camera. This provocative premise offers a deep dive into how specialized work can desensitize individuals.

Ilse Salas's involvement brings significant star power to the project. Her illustrious career includes winning Mexico’s prestigious Ariel Award for 'The Good Girls' in 2019, along with nominations for 'Güeros' and 'Plaza Catedral.' Salas emphasizes her dedication to Latin American cinema, stating, "Latin American cinema is the cinema I watch, seek out, make and dream about. Our voice needs to reach farther and we are making it heard." The journey of 'To Die on Your Feet' has been extensive, involving development and co-production programs at various international film festivals, including Marseille, Toulouse, San Sebastián, the Berlinale, and TIFF. Its distribution rights have already been acquired by major platforms like Hulu, HBO, and Mubi across different territories.

The film has also secured financial backing from the Pfeffer del Sur fund of the José Ignacio International Film Festival. 'To Die on Your Feet' is a testament to international collaboration, boasting a six-country co-production team led by Quijote Films from Chile, alongside Amore Cine (Spain), Sutor Kolonko (Germany), Tarantula (Luxembourg), Bocacha (Uruguay), and MartFilms (Mexico). Giancarlo Nasi of Quijote Films expressed enthusiasm for Salas joining the cast, noting her exceptional range and ability to connect with audiences, which aligns perfectly with the film's blend of humor, discomfort, and emotion.

In related news, Quijote Films, a prolific Chilean production company with 35 international co-productions under its belt, is embarking on another pioneering project: the first Chile–Morocco co-production, a feature documentary titled 'Don’t Let the Sun Go Up on Me.' This film, co-produced with French company Haut et Court and directed by Moroccan filmmaker Asmae El Moudir, is currently in development. However, the company is simultaneously battling a decision by Chile’s Ministry of Cultures to revoke funding for 'The Smell of Apples,' a co-production with South Africa that recently premiered at TIFF 2026. This incident underscores the precarious financial landscape of independent filmmaking, even as Quijote Films continues to push boundaries in international cinema.

This dynamic situation highlights both the artistic ambition and the practical challenges faced by independent film productions. The casting of a celebrated actress like Ilse Salas brings significant attention to 'To Die on Your Feet,' promising a compelling cinematic experience that critiques modern societal issues. Simultaneously, the ongoing battle over funding for 'The Smell of Apples' underscores the persistent financial hurdles and bureaucratic obstacles that can impact even critically acclaimed projects, emphasizing the resilience required in the global film industry.