According to reports, Almodóvar is turning down lucrative offers from streaming giants like Netflix for his next feature Parallel Mothers starring Penélope Cruz - a film about motherhood, a theme that has dominated the director's body of work.
In a recent interview, Almodóvar’s brother and co-founder of production company El Deseo, Agustin Almodóvar said, “for those of us who love seeing films on the big screen these are worrying times, as the threat of the theatrical window cracking comes closer and closer. However, we think theatrical exhibitions should be fought for."
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“Old-school as we are, we are planning Pedro’s next feature for the theatrical circuit despite several offers for it to be original content from streamers.”
Almodóvar will begin filming Parallel Mothers in March, revealed his brother.
The decision from the director came at a time when the film world is displaying mixed reactions to Warner Bros' announcement to simultaneously release its entire 2021 slate of films on HBO Max along with theatres, raising questions about the future of the theatre business.
Pedro Almodovar’s last film, Pain and Glory, premiered at the Cannes festival to widespread acclaim, winning Antonio Banderas the Best Actor award. Set in Spain, the semi-autobiographical film followed an ageing film-maker turning away from his craft.