Epicentre frames the partnership as a strategic push into Latin American cinema, emphasizing Alfredo Castro’s legendary stature and Matías Rojas’s proven track record after his acclaimed A Place Called Dignity.
Sources at Berlin whisper the deal was sealed in a low‑key after‑party, and there’s chatter that Epicentre is scrambling for a breakout hit to shore up a shaky slate, making this a high‑stakes gamble.
The Variety report dated Feb 21, 2026 confirms that the 76th Berlin Film Festival winds down on Sunday, Feb. 22, and that France’s Epicentre Films has officially boarded Dog Legs, starring Alfredo Castro and directed by Matías Rojas, whose previous film was A Place Called Dignity.
Epicentre’s bet on Castro’s star power could open a lucrative door to Latin America, but the pressure to deliver a genre‑defining thriller is now on the director and his new French backer.
As the 76th Berlin Film Festival prepares to close on Sunday, Feb. 22, the industry’s attention is shifting from red‑carpet premieres to the deals being struck behind the scenes. One of the most talked‑about moves comes from France’s Epicentre Films, which announced it has boarded the new Matías Rojas feature Dog Legs, a genre‑bending thriller that will see Chile’s inimitable Alfredo Castro in the lead role.
The announcement, reported by Variety on Feb. 21, 2026, arrives at a moment when European financiers are eyeing fresh talent from South America to diversify their portfolios.
Dog Legs, or Patas de perro in Spanish, marks Rojas’s latest foray after his critically praised A Place Called Dignity. While details of the plot remain under wraps, the title suggests a dark, perhaps animal‑metaphor‑laden narrative that will allow Castro to flex his dramatic muscles. Castro, a veteran of Chilean cinema, is known for his intense, often brooding performances, and his involvement instantly raises the project’s profile. Rojas’s previous work demonstrated a knack for blending social commentary with compelling storytelling, so expectations are high that Dog Legs will deliver a fresh take on the genre.
Epicentre’s press release, though not reproduced in full, paints the partnership as a strategic expansion into Latin American markets. The French company positions the deal as a win‑win: they secure a marquee name in Castro while tapping into Rojas’s rising auteur reputation. Industry analysts note that Epicentre has been looking to strengthen its international slate after a series of modest box‑office returns, and this collaboration could serve as a flagship project to re‑energize its brand.
Insiders at Berlin report that the negotiations were finalized in a discreet setting, away from the festival’s glitz. Rumors suggest that the deal was sweetened with a modest upfront payment and a revenue‑share model tied to worldwide distribution. Some observers speculate that Epicentre may be counting on the film’s festival circuit buzz to attract additional buyers in North America and Asia. If Dog Legs garners critical acclaim, it could pave the way for more cross‑continental co‑productions, cementing Castro’s status as a global draw and giving Epicentre a much‑needed boost in prestige.
Overall, the Epicentre‑Castro‑Rojas alliance illustrates how European financiers are increasingly looking south for fresh narratives and star power. With the Berlin spotlight still shining, all eyes will be on Dog Legs’s premiere, waiting to see whether the gamble pays off and reshapes the market dynamics for Latin American cinema on the world stage.
