18/05/2007

London-based sales company Lumina Films is expecting brisk business at Cannes with two films carried by very positive buzz following their premieres at Tribeca early May: Jamie Morgan’s controversial UK documentary The Workshop, just picked up by Revolver for the UK, and Lovesickness (Maldeamores) by up-and-coming Puerto Rican writer/director Carlitos Ruiz Ruiz.

Both films were produced by Lumina’s sister company Buena Onda (headed by Don Ranvaud) and are having their market premiere at Cannes.

In his first feature documentary, UK photographer Morgan captures with his handheld DV camera his own experiences at a 10-day workshop with Californian guru Paul Lowe who promotes sexual adventure and the possible existence of aliens. Lovesickness, the directorial debut of Ruiz Ruiz, executive produced by Benicio del Toro, has three interwoven stories: a child’s first kiss, a man who cannot grasp rejection and an elderly love affair. Luis Guzman has one of the key roles.

According to Lumina’s spokesperson Juana Awad both films are in discussions with US buyers.

Also under Lumina’s care is the first film on Warp X’s slate of low budget digital films, Donkey Punch, directed by Ollie Blackburn. The thriller/horror currently in post-production will be ready for Toronto.

As for Dominic Murphy’s White Lightnin’, the dark comedy produced by UK’s F&ME and Vice Films will start shooting soon in the US.