'Calladita' Makes Noise in Hollywood

The film “Calladita” (The Quiet Maid), written and directed by Miguel Faus, is not only groundbreaking for elevating Latina voices, but also for the way that it was made. Calladita is the first European film ever funded by NFTs.

The film tells the story of a Colombian woman who goes to Spain to work as a maid over the summer in hopes of a better life and brings up the stereotypes she needs to overcome as a Latina in Spain. The film is also a commentary on the discrimination against those not of European descent and plays with the hierarchical structures that go on behind the scenes of a rich family on vacation.

“Calladita” in Spanish, literally means “keeping quiet” and it also symbolizes not being able to express her own opinions or embrace who she is as a whole as the character of Ana, portrayed by Paula Grimaldo.

Faus said that at some point he considered going to work as a lawyer because he feared the film wouldn’t get made.

“I think looking back that was the key for me, that I was a bit crazy,” Faus said, “Because of that spirit of determination and craziness, I kept looking for an alternative way, because at a certain point I just ran out of doors to knock on, in the sort of traditional way.”

The Spanish film made its way to Roman Coppola’s Decentralized Films, which recognized that artists needed support in the beginning and in the middle of the process, but they focused on solving how to get the film to an audience.

Miguel Faus and Roman Coppola

“We are excited for North American audiences to discover Miguel Faus’ unique film, ‘Calladita’ – one of the first feature films supported by Decentralized Pictures and a departure from the traditional way movies are financed, produced, marketed and sold,” Coppola said. “We hope that it will be the blueprint of an alternative path for independent filmmakers around the world.”

Jonathan Keltz, Miguel Faus and Stephen Murray

The film, presented by Steven Soderbergh, comes out July 23 on the new film and television platform, “Bingeable.” Between now and then you can go to Bingeable.net/calladita – where you can create your own VOD channel and get paid to promote the film. “Calladita” premiered in LA on July 15 at Harmony Gold Theater.

Q&A of “Calladita” following the LA premiere at Harmony Gold Theater

Decentralized Pictures is the independent studio created by Francis Ford Coppola and George Lucas in 1969 and now headed by Roman, Sofia and Gia Coppola, who are also on the Board of Directors of Decentralized Pictures. DCP is a co-producer on “Calladita” as a result of the award given by Steven Soderbergh through the foundation. The production company aims to offer an alternative to independent filmmakers to find another route to success, including the ownership of their own intellectual property and finding financing through community.

The filmmakers and guests were handed PATH water to stay hydrated as they arrived in the theater amidst the high temperatures of the LA summer.

PATH Water at the Official LA Premiere of “Calladita”

The premiere was followed by an after party at Members Lounge, which is a Mediterranean inspired members-only club in the heart of Hollywood.

Guests enjoyed Spanish tapas as hors d’oeuvres that included a Golden Reserve Caviar station, and specialty cocktails (and mocktails), such as the “Calladita Spicy Mezcalita” and “La Vida Buena,” sponsored by Del Maguey Single Village Mezcal Vida Puebla and Olmeca Altos Agave Tequila award-winning Silver and Reposado.

LA Premiere after party of “Calladita” presented by Steven Soderbergh hosted by Bingeable and sponsored by Del Maguey Mezcal and Olmeca Altos Tequila at MEMBERS Lounge

Bingeable’s goal is to offer an alternative to the faltering, centralized entertainment industry. Bingeable’s platform enables anyone to market & sell new films & TV shows directly to their social media followers and get paid every time one of them rents, buys or watches. Bingeable allows everyone to earn in dollars-one gross revenue. By offering stakeholders access to Bingeable’s completely transparent, Blockchain-powered accounting system, filmmakers, financiers, and affiliates can know that they are being paid accurately and fairly. Led by founders and Co-CEO’s Stephen Murray and Brad Joyce, Bingeable’s executive team also includes digital strategy veteran Todd Lowe as Chief Marketing Officer and Jonathan Keltz (Acquainted, Nine Films About Technology, Entourage) as President of Content.

Calladita will be available for rental on July 23, 2024 on the filmmaker’s own Bingeable-powered Individual Video on Demand (iVOD) channel at bingeable.net/calladita, and through iVOD channel owners across the country. The premiere was produced by Ali Lasky and The Influence.

The LA premiere notable attendees included Miguel Faus, Roman Coppola and Bingeable platform founders Stephen Murray, Brad Joyce, Todd Lowe and Jonathan Keltz (Acquainted, Reign, Nine Films About Technology, Entourage).