Punk Dramedy ‘Matapanki’ from Berlinale Secures North American Distribution with Italy’s Minerva
Altered Innocence Acquires North American Rights to ‘Matapanki’
Altered Innocence has secured North American distribution rights for Matapanki, the debut feature from Chilean filmmaker Diego “Mapache” Fuentes.
The film recently premiered in the Generation 14+ section at the 76th Berlin International Film Festival, where it received a Special Mention from the international jury.
Set in suburban Chile, Matapanki tells the story of Ricardo, a young punk who leads a chaotic life filled with cheap alcohol, raves, and caring for his ailing grandmother. His mundane existence takes a dramatic turn when he discovers a mysterious homemade liquor that grants him superpowers with each drink. As his dreams of reshaping society unfold, Ricardo’s reckless journey spirals into chaos, intersecting with political corruption and espionage that ignite a global conflict.
The distribution deal was negotiated by Frank Jaffe of Altered Innocence and Monica Ciarli from Minerva Pictures.
Matapanki premiered at the FIC Valdivia film festival, where it won accolades for Best Chilean Film and Best Youth Feature, and subsequently made its North American debut at Slamdance. A theatrical release in North America is scheduled for winter 2026.
“Matapanki is a wildly original take on rebellion, identity, and power — part coming-of-age, part punk rock satire, and entirely singular,” said Jaffe. “Mapache has crafted a film that’s as daring and unruly as its protagonist. We’re proud to bring this electrifying film to North American audiences.”
Monica Ciarli expressed confidence in the project, stating, “We believed in this film from the start. It offers a fresh perspective on current global issues and resonates with Gen Z. We think Diego is a talent to look out for and are thrilled to have this film released by Altered Innocence in North America.”
