ISII Group’s Ambitious Cinematic Journey with Trinidad
Spanish film company ISII Group is set to take audiences on a thrilling adventure to the American Wild West with its most ambitious feature film to date, the action-adventure Western Trinidad. This star-studded film features a talented ensemble cast, including Karla Sofía Gascón, Paz Vega, Gabriela Andrada, and Sofía Allepuz.
A Story of Resilience and Transformation
Written and directed by Laura Alvea and José Ortuño, Trinidad is set to premiere in Spain on November 13 under ISII’s Deep Com Roots banner. The film follows a young Spanish woman, portrayed by Andrada, who relocates to the American Wild West with her mother (Vega) and sister (Allepuz) to escape legal troubles. As she transforms into a gunslinger to support her family, she inadvertently creates enemies, including the formidable widow Bronson, played by Gascón. This role marks Gascón’s first major performance since her Oscar-nominated role in Jacques Audiard’s Emilia Pérez.
ISII Group: A New Player in the Film Industry
Founded in 2024 and led by CEO Silvia Carvalho, ISII Group is making waves in the film industry. The Madrid-based company is gearing up for its inaugural Cannes appearance after debuting at Berlin with its international sales and distribution firm, Deep Com Roots. Carvalho has indicated that pre-market negotiations for Trinidad are already underway in various territories, showcasing the film’s potential even before its market premiere.
ISII Group comprises four production companies: Inefable Productions, which focuses on fiction and is behind Trinidad; Isora Films, specializing in documentaries; Sinapsis Studios for animation projects; and SIA Servicios Audiovisuales, its production services arm. Deep Com Roots aims to connect with international audiences through compelling narratives and emotional depth.
A Vision for Sustainable Growth
ISII Group is committed to blending artistic ambition with financial viability. Carvalho describes Trinidad as “designed as an event” with a long-term commercial strategy. She emphasizes that while Trinidad is the flagship title, ISII is not limited to a single project. The company is bringing a diverse slate of original projects to Cannes, including upcoming theatrical releases and high-profile productions, one of which will be in English.
Among ISII’s other Cannes market titles are Arima León’s debut feature Love on a Tightrope, a romantic drama based on the real-life love story of tightrope walker Pinito del Oro and poet Natalia Sosa, and the drama Summer Days, directed by Chema de la Peña. Carvalho describes these films as significant arthouse dramas, completed and ready for cinema release this year.
Expanding Horizons
In addition to its current lineup, ISII is also working on thriller-horror film Restricted Area and its first English-language thriller, La Cathédrale, which is set to begin shooting soon. Carvalho notes that this project will be entirely in English and revolves around the suspenseful life of the first violinist of the Tenerife Symphony Orchestra.
Cannes serves as a platform for ISII to showcase its titles and present its broader vision for the future. The company is focused on building long-term relationships with international partners and expanding its slate, including potential acquisitions for the Spanish market.
Future Projects and Aspirations
ISII Group has more films in the pipeline, including a comedy titled Desde Arriba and a flamenco dance film called Amor de Dios, both with budgets exceeding 10 million euros ($11.7 million). Carvalho emphasizes that Trinidad is not just another title; it represents the kind of cinema ISII aims to create—films designed for theatrical release that resonate with audiences.
Insights from Karla Sofía Gascón
In a recent interview, Gascón shared her thoughts on Trinidad, her role as the villain, and the film’s contemporary relevance. She expressed excitement about portraying a complex character, a bitter villainess with a deep-seated resentment toward progress. Gascón described the ensemble cast as top-level artists who poured their hearts into the project, making the experience rewarding.
When asked about filming in the Canary Islands, Gascón noted Spain’s historical role in hosting productions set in the Old West, highlighting the landscape’s similarities to the American frontier. She emphasized the film’s timely themes, addressing issues such as racism, misogyny, and the challenges faced by immigrants, making it relevant to contemporary audiences.
Gascón also reflected on her portrayal of the widow Bronson, likening her character to a female Darth Vader, complete with manipulative abilities. She expressed hope that Trinidad would resonate with audiences and lead to future collaborations with ISII Group.
A Promising Future
With a robust slate of projects and a clear vision for growth, ISII Group is poised to make a significant impact on the film industry. Trinidad stands as a testament to their commitment to storytelling that connects with audiences, promising a cinematic experience that is both entertaining and thought-provoking.
