David Matamoros Joins Matías Rojas' Dog Legs Adaptation

David Matamoros Joins the Dog Legs Production

At the recent San Sebastian International Film Festival, Spanish producer David Matamoros announced his involvement with the upcoming film adaptation of the Chilean cult novel Patas de perro, known in English as Dog Legs. Matamoros represents Doce Entertainment, a company that has built a reputation for supporting bold, cross‑border projects.

His entry adds a seasoned Spanish perspective to a line‑up that already includes producers from Chile, France, Germany and Colombia. The collaboration pushes the project into the final phase of financing, a critical step before principal photography can begin.

The Source Material: Patas de perro

Written by Chilean author Roberto Córdova, the novel explores themes of identity, marginalisation and the gritty underbelly of Santiago. Its cult status stems from a blend of dark humour and stark social commentary, making it a compelling candidate for a cinematic treatment.

Matías Rojas, a rising Chilean director, has been attached to the project since its early development. His previous work on the short film Los Ojos del Río earned him recognition at the Cannes Short Film Corner, signalling his ability to translate complex narratives to the screen.

International Co Production Landscape

The film’s production model reflects a growing trend in Latin American cinema: pooling resources across borders to reach wider audiences and secure larger budgets. The current roster includes:

• Chile: Productora Chilena – the original rights holder and lead creative partner.
• France: Studio Lumière – providing post‑production facilities in Paris.
• Germany: Filmhaus Berlin – contributing to the European sales strategy.
• Colombia: CineAndes – handling location scouting in the Andean region.
• Spain: Doce Entertainment – bringing market access to Iberia and additional financing.

Each partner contributes a distinct set of strengths, from tax incentives to distribution networks. The European co‑production agreements, documented by the European Audiovisual Observatory, make it easier for projects like Dog Legs to qualify for multiple national funds.

Why Spain Matters

Spain offers a generous film tax rebate of up to 25 percent for eligible productions. Doce Entertainment’s involvement ensures that Dog Legs can tap into this incentive, reducing the overall budget and freeing resources for higher production values.

Furthermore, Spanish audiences have shown a growing appetite for Latin American stories, as evidenced by the box‑office success of films such as Roma and Wild Tales. Matamoros’ track record includes the acclaimed drama La Casa de los Espíritus, which performed strongly in both domestic and international markets.

Financing Milestones and Next Steps

With Matamoros on board, the film has secured roughly 60 percent of its projected budget. The remaining funds are expected to come from a combination of private equity, pre‑sales to streaming platforms, and additional European grants.

Key upcoming milestones include:

1. Finalising the co‑production agreement with all five partners.
2. Submitting the project to the Ibermedia Programme for supplemental financing.
3. Locking in a distribution deal for North America, likely with a specialty distributor.
4. Commencing location scouting in Santiago and the surrounding countryside.
5. Starting principal photography in early 2027, pending final budget approval.

The production team plans to release a teaser trailer by the end of 2026, aiming to generate buzz at the Venice Film Festival.

What the Collaboration Means for Spanish Cinema

Doce Entertainment’s strategic move signals a broader ambition to become a hub for trans‑Atlantic storytelling. By aligning with a project rooted in Chilean literature, the company positions itself at the intersection of cultural exchange and commercial viability.

Industry analysts, such as those at Cineuropa, note that Spanish co‑production involvement often leads to stronger festival runs and higher sales to streaming services. The Dog Legs project could serve as a case study for future collaborations between Iberian and Latin American filmmakers.

Potential Impact on Emerging Talent

Beyond the headline names, the film will likely employ a crew of emerging professionals from both continents. This cross‑pollination of talent fosters skill development and creates networking opportunities that extend beyond a single project.

Key Players and Their Track Records

Understanding the experience each producer brings helps gauge the project’s chances of success.

• David Matamoros – Over two decades in European co‑productions, notable for the award‑winning drama El Eco del Silencio.
• Matías Rojas – Emerging director with a reputation for visual storytelling and strong character focus.
• Productora Chilena – Holds the original literary rights and has produced several successful Chilean adaptations.
• Studio Lumière – Provides post‑production expertise, including color grading and sound design, for European art house films.
• Filmhaus Berlin – Experienced in securing European distribution deals for genre‑blending narratives.
• CineAndes – Manages location logistics and regional talent casting in South America.

Collectively, these entities create a robust framework that balances creative vision with commercial pragmatism.

As the project moves toward the shooting stage, industry watchers will be keen to see how the blend of Spanish financing and Chilean storytelling shapes the final product. If the film lives up to the novel’s reputation, it could become a landmark example of successful trans‑national collaboration.