‘Winnipeg, Seeds of Hope’ Chronicles the Humanitarian Ship’s Voyage to Chile, Chartered by Nobel Prize-Winner Pablo Neruda and Artist Delia del Carril
“Winnipeg, Seeds of Hope,” a co-production between Spain, Chile and Argentina, will be one of 11 titles competing in the Contrechamp Feature Films section of this year’s Annecy Animation Film Festival.
The animated feature film is directed by Beñat Beitia Urresti (“Mummy, I’m a Zombie”) and Elio Quiroga (“Fotos,” “The Mystery of the King of Kinema”) and is based on Laura Marte’s graphic novel.
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The story follows Víctor and his young daughter Julia, who flee Spain after the fall of Barcelona to General Franco’s forces in January, 1939. They manage to escape to France, only to end up in a concentration camp. Their only hope for a better life is to get on the Winnipeg, a cargo ship chartered by Nobel Prize-winning Chilean poet Pablo Neruda and artist Delia del Carril to offer survivors a new life in Valparaíso, Chile.
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“This extraordinary animated feature brings to light a true story that remained largely forgotten for decades. It is a story that intertwines the life of the great poet Pablo Neruda with those of countless men and women who were forced to flee war and dictatorship, leaving their homeland behind forever and carrying with them only the hope of building a new life in an unfamiliar world,” says Marco Urizzi of MMM, who is handling international sales for the film.
The film features the voices of powerhouse Chilean actors Alfredo Castro (“Tony Manero,” “From Afar”), Paulina Garcia (“Gloria,” “Little Men”) and Luis Gnecco (“Neruda,” “No”).
“We were impressed by the commitment and deep respect of these three immense talents, as well as that of every Chilean artist who participated in the production. In Spain, this story has been silenced by fear and pain, but when I was in Chile, I saw that the story of the Winnipeg is very popular, a heroic feat they’re proud of, and one that brought social and cultural enrichment, co-director Beñat Beitia Urresti told Variety.
The film is produced by Ricardo Ramon and Jone Landaluze of Dibulitoon Studio and co-produced by Marianne Mayer-Beckh (El Otro Film), Toni Marin Vila (La Ballesta), Nicolas Couvin (Malabar Producciones) and Dolores Montaño (Malabar Producciones).
Variety had the opportunity to talk further with the film’s co-director, Beñat Beitia Urresti:
The Winnipeg’s voyage was made possible by Pablo Neruda and artist Delia del Carril and the ship was received by a young Salvador Allende, who later became the president of Chile.
Beñat Beitia Urresti: One of the most fascinating aspects of this story is that it brings together very different people around a common goal: saving lives. Pablo Neruda played a key role when he was appointed Chile’s special consul for Spanish immigration. And alongside him emerged his wife at the time, Delia del Carril, who actively led the effort to fulfill this humanitarian commitment. A figure whom history has not always treated with the same generosity, and whom we have sought to vindicate in the film through the sensitivity, commitment, and conviction of this decisive figure. Nor could we omit our tribute to Salvador Allende, who supported the reception of refugees as Minister of Health and on behalf of Pedro Aguirre Cerda, President of Chile.
What inspired you to bring this historical project to the screen?
Beitia Urresti: I’m interested in human stories – stories of commitment. Obviously, there is also a personal connection to that period, and it is an exercise in remembrance. We are the grandchildren of those who fought against Franco’s rebel troops in the Spanish Civil War. And like so many other families, we are the grandchildren of those who suffered repression during the postwar period and those who had to emigrate to seek opportunities far from their homeland. We grew up hearing fragments of those stories, silences included. That emotional closeness was one of the driving forces that impelled me to bring this project to the screen in an exercise of deep respect for a complex memory that does not lend itself to simplification.
The story is very relevant today in terms of current events. Can you talk about some of the parallels between 1939 and now?
Beitia Urresti: Although the film is set in 1939, it addresses issues that continue to resonate painfully today in every news story about this reality of national priorities that they are trying to impose on us. We are spectators of humanitarian crises: the deportation centers approved by Europe, the persecution of immigrants, ICE, and what can be said about the genocide of the Palestinian people… Times, geographies, and political contexts change, but fear, uncertainty, and the quest for survival and dignity remain the same—or even lead to more nightmarish outcomes.
The film does not seek to draw simplistic parallels between different eras, but rather to remind us that behind any migration phenomenon there are fundamental problems that we must confront and address. And the Winnipeg represents one of the great examples of solidarity in the 20th century. Perhaps memory only makes sense if it helps us avoid repeating the darkness. And because, in the face of fear and barbarism, solidarity remains one of the most beautiful and dignified forms of human resistance.
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Badenoch blasts 'moaning' female Labour MPs over Burnham jobs 'quota'
Kemi Badenoch has told Labour women to earn a job in Andy Burnham's Cabinet instead of demanding they are handed jobs because of their gender.
The Tory leader lashed out today amid reports that female MPs are demanding the de-facto new prime minister introduce a 50:50 gender split 'quota' in his government.
Amid reports that former foreign secretary David Miliband is being lined up to return to the role, possibly with his brother Ed as Chancellor, one female minister also complained that Burnham could not have 'more Milibands than women' in the top posts.
But in a scathing article in the Times today Mrs Badenoch told them to 'stop moaning' and get chosen on merit instead of retreating into 'more of the failed identity politics that is holding back our country'.
'There are many, many reasons why you shouldn't have any Milibands in the cabinet,' she said.
'But complaining that the boys haven't given them the right jobs or that the boys are taking all the jobs, just shows that Labour's women still don't get it.'
The idea of quotas was also attacked by Baroness Jacqui Smith, Labour's Skills Minister.
Asked by Times Radio if Mr Burnham should reserve jobs for women, she said: 'No, I think what Andy Burnham should be doing is building the very best team around him to change this country.'
A letter written by the Women's Parliamentary Labour Party has called on Mr Burnham to ensure a 50:50 split between men and women in government jobs
Amid reports that former foreign secretary David Miliband (above, right, in 2010) is being lined up to return to the role, possibly with his brother Ed as Chancellor, one female minister complained that Burnham could not have 'more Milibands than women' in the top posts
But Mrs Badenoch told them to pipe down and get chosen on merit instead of retreating into 'more of the failed identity politics that is holding back our country'
A letter written by the Women's Parliamentary Labour Party and seen by the BBC has called on Mr Burnham to ensure a 50:50 split between men and women in government jobs after he succeeds Sir Keir Starmer.
'We are asking you to demonstrate this change from day one and address the toxicity and misogyny within our own party and government,' it said.
Labour has never had a female leader, while the Conservatives have had three, and Mrs Badenoch urged the government to follow its meritocratic example.
'If you run a meritocracy, then you do not have to worry about jobs for the boys,' she wrote.
'Every woman who is a Conservative MP, every woman who has ever won the leadership, has had to fight to get where she is.
'By contrast, Labour women are demanding guarantees from Burnham. But the truth is he doesn't have to give any guarantees.
'If none of Labour's women are prepared to get their hands dirty and challenge him for the leadership, their demands are toothless.'
'In fact, it's quite revealing that the women's parliamentary Labour Party has written to Burnham asking him to commit himself to at least 50 per cent female ministers.
'This has nothing to do with meritocracy. It is yet more of the failed identity politics that is holding back our country.'
Venezuela Fury and Noah Price subsidising their life by livestreaming
Venezuela Fury and her husband Noah Price look to be making their own way in the world by raking it in from their lucrative social media accounts.
The influencer daughter of Tyson and Paris Fury, 16, has become an internet sensation after tying the knot with her husband Noah, 19, earlier this year.
Since getting married and moving in together the couple have been earning thousands of pounds a month, livestreaming their life as newlyweds in their static caravan in the East Riding of Yorkshire.
And fans can't get enough of their regular life updates on TikTok and Kick, which have proved to be very profitable for the pair.
They look to be supporting themselves after Noah denied that he was given £5million by Venezuela's family as a wedding gift.
Despite his wife's huge family wealth, an estimated combined £160 million, Noah recently told his Kick followers that he 'pays for everything' for the couple.
Making light of the claims about Venezuela's millionaire financial status, Noah said: 'I actually pay for everything unfortunately. You'd expect the millionaire to pay for it wouldn't you.'
Venezuela Fury and Noah Price are earning thousands livestreaming their caravan life - after her new groom insisted he pays all the bills and denied he had £5m handout from her dad
The influencer daughter of Tyson and Paris Fury , 16, has become an internet sensation after tying the knot with her husband Noah, 19, earlier this year
Venezuela then asked their fans: 'Do you think I am a millionaire?'
Noah joked: 'She isn't a secret millionaire guys', before she broke into song and sang: 'But I live like a millionaire!'
But it seems according to estimated calculations from their social media work, Noah and Venezuela can more than afford to support themselves.
Noah has been livestreaming on platforms such as Kick and TikTok, where viewers can send paid gifts or donations.
He was previously encouraging viewers to send gifts on his honeymoon during livestreams, suggesting this is one revenue stream.
Both Noah and Venezuela have built substantial followings on Instagram and TikTok. They can potentially earn money through sponsored posts, brand collaborations, affiliate links and creator payouts.
Kick allows its creators to take home 95 per cent of the £4.99 subscription cost that fans pay.
Streamers keep 100 per cent of direct tips and donations, minus minor standard payment processing fees.
It is unclear how many subscribers Noah currently has because this information is hidden, but he does have 7,200 followers which is publicly viewable.
An industry insider has suggested Noah is making around £400 per video on TikTok, while Venezuela is likely to make £2,000 due to her following count of 1.3 million.
An industry insider has suggested Noah is making around £400 per video on TikTok, while Venezuela is likely to make £2,000 due to her following count of 1.3 million
In one video on their honeymoon, Noah asked his followers if they'd give them some more gifts now that they were married.
In a TikTok live viewed by 20,000 he said: 'Keep liking our videos people, keep sending gifts.'
After saying thank you to several of his followers he joked they should stick around on the livestream and 'watch Venezuela punch me in the mouth'.
The other half of the honeymooning couple said: 'I am, honestly!'
Noah previously confirmed that the pair don't share their finances after they were asked whether they have a shared bank account.
'She earns her money, I earn mine,' said Noah, as Venezuela joked: 'Yeah, what you gonna do about it.'
Noah went on to debunk the rumour that Tyson gave him £5million when he tied the knot with his daughter as he insisted: 'No Tyson did not give me £5million'.
Meanwhile Venezuela is being eyed up by executives for a fly on the wall TV series.
Noah went on to debunk the rumour that Tyson gave him £5million when he tied the knot with his daughter as he insisted: 'No Tyson did not give me £5million'
Boasting 1.3 million TikTok followers, Venezuela is already entertaining fans with her honest musings and candid moments, from cooking to kitting out her and Noah's static caravan home.
And following the success of the Netflix series At Home With The Furys, it is no wonder bosses are wanting to draw on the Fury popularity.
A TV insider said: 'The couple are not A-list celebrities but everyone has become obsessed with their love story.
'People are genuinely intrigued by them. Whether it’s the fact they have married so young, Venezuela’s famous family or their gypsy lifestyle, they have the ‘X factor'.
'Several TV executives think a proper fly-on-the-wall series following their lives as newlyweds in the gypsy community would be fascinating,' they told The Sun.
It is thought Netflix would be likely to produce the series due to their already established relationship with the Furys.
Venezuela's representatives told The Daily Mail: 'We have many offers on the table regarding Venezuela which we are discussing.'
