Set against the backdrop of a rampant drug trade that has ravaged friendships, lives, and an entire province, ‘Barren Land’ unflinchingly captures the devastation wrought by this illicit industry. The action unfolds not only within the affected region but also extends to the treacherous waters of the Straits of Gibraltar.
The film introduces us to a trio of compelling characters: Mateo “El Gallego,” a heroic Civil Guard; Juan “el Antxale,” a fisherman driven into the drug trade by misfortune and unemployment; and Benito “el Yeye,” a bailiff trapped between the law and the criminals he encounters. Their paths diverge due to the dire circumstances that have befallen their community, and they find themselves trapped in a dangerous powder keg that tests the very essence of their friendship.
Luis Zahera, known for his haunting performance as the main villain in Rodrigo Sorogoyen’s ‘The Beasts,’ stars as the primary antagonist in ‘Barren Land.’ Karra Elejalde, who portrayed Unamuno in Alejandro Amenábar’s ‘While at War,’ and Jesús Carroza, who delivered an emotionally fragile performance in Alberto Rodríguez’s ‘Prison 77,’ round out the cast of this gripping thriller.
Producer Alvaro Ariza emphasizes the film’s social relevance, stating, “We’ve invested four years into this project, exploring themes of friendship, societal issues, and the transformation of a once-thriving community into ‘barren land.'” Vicente Canales, head of Film Factory, expresses confidence in the film’s commercial appeal, highlighting, “‘Barren Land’ is one of the few high-profile Spanish projects with strong commercial elements, exactly what the international market is currently demanding. I am sure it will be very attractive to buyers.”
‘Barren Land’ is produced by Ariza’s Esto También Pasará, a rising force in Spain’s production scene responsible for projects such as ‘The Gentleman,’ starring Ron Perlman, and ‘Ferocious Wolf,’ a remake of the Israeli hit ‘Big Bad Wolves.’ Glow and Mexican production company SDB Films, also a partner on ‘The Gentleman,’ join as co-producers, with participation from Prime Video, RTVE, Canal Sur, Mogambo, and support from ICAA.
