FESTIVALS

May 29, 2008–Albert Espinosa's “Don't Ask Me to Kiss You Because I Will,” Jesus Ponce's “Lazy Days” and Gerardo Herrero's “Que parezca un accidente” will have their market bows at the third Madrid de Cine-Spanish Film Screenings.
Aimed at boosting sales, co-productions and shoots, Spain's film screenings event runs June 8-10.

Espinosa's feature debut, an adaptation of his own stage hit, is the latest offering from “The Orphanage” producers Rodar y Rodar. “Don't Ask Me” will world premiere at Madrid and has been picked up for international by Madrid-based sales consortium 6 Sales.

Ponce's “Lazy Days” depicts three slackers suddenly energized when a girl joins their group.

“Accidente” stars Carmen Maura as a mother determined to get rid of her philandering son-in-law. If ready, the comedy will play at an invitation-only screening.

Another potential attraction is the long-in-post production “Manolete,” announced Wednesday at the official presentation of Madrid de Cine in Spain's capital city. Directed by Menno Meyjes, the bullfighter love story stars Adrien Brody and Penelope Cruz, but the film may not be ready in time for screening.

Organized by Spain's producers association, Fapae, Madrid de Cine will unspool 40 or so films. Some 146 companies have signed on for the event, including Paramount, Lionsgate, HBO, Magnolia Pictures and the Sundance Channel; Venevision Intl., a prolific buyer of Spanish films for the U.S.; and the TLA Entertainment Group. From the U.K., Reel Rights and Parasol Pics look set to attend.