Sister Distribution Acquires Swiss-Spanish Co-Production ‘The Indies’

Swiss distributor Sister Distribution has secured the rights to the upcoming period road movie “The Indies” (“Les Indes”), a collaborative project between Swiss production house Alina Film and Spain’s Lastor Media. The film, which marks the feature directorial debut of Pauline Julier and Nicolas Chapoulier, is set to be showcased as a work-in-progress at the upcoming ECAM Forum in Madrid.

This acquisition highlights the deepening creative ties between Switzerland and Spain, building on the successful partnership established during the production of the Toronto-winning film “They Will Be Dust.” By serving as a majority producer alongside Lastor Media, Alina Film continues to solidify its influence in the European co-production landscape, leveraging cross-border resources to bring ambitious projects to fruition.

Industry observers are particularly interested in the filmmakers' unique approach to the medium. Described by the production team as “image-driven” rather than “character-driven,” the film suggests a departure from traditional narrative structures, prioritizing visual storytelling and atmosphere. This stylistic choice positions “The Indies” as a notable entry in the festival circuit, where experimental and aesthetic-forward cinema often finds a dedicated audience.

The involvement of Sister Distribution at this early stage underscores the growing demand for distinct, auteur-led European cinema. As the project prepares for its debut at the ECAM Forum, the industry will be watching to see how this visual-first narrative resonates with international buyers and critics, potentially setting a new benchmark for how Swiss-Spanish co-productions are developed and marketed in a competitive global market.