Velasco Broca Shooting His Feature Debut, The Next Testament - Production / Funding - Spain/Estonia/Italy

Key Takeaways

• Velasco Broca's debut *The Next Testament* began shooting May 21 in Madrid
• Cast includes Goya‑nominated Álex Brendemühl, Mireia Oriol, Ariadna Gil
• Shot on 35 mm, mixes gothic and retro‑futurist iconography
• Spain‑Estonia‑Italy co‑production backed by ICAA and Estonian Film Institute
• Filmin to distribute; worldwide release planned for late 2027

Pulse Analysis

Velasco Broca, a Rioja‑born filmmaker known for cult‑grade shorts, is stepping into feature territory with *The Next Testament*. Building on a career that includes Cannes Directors’ Fortnight selections and award‑winning festival runs, Broca brings his signature blend of Spanish folklore, alien mythos, and off‑beat humor to a larger canvas. The narrative’s premise—a vanished song chorus that unravels reality—offers a fertile ground for exploring memory, identity, and speculative futures, while the use of 35 mm film underscores a tactile aesthetic rarely pursued in today’s digital‑first environment.

The production exemplifies the growing trend of multi‑national European co‑productions that leverage regional incentives to fund ambitious genre projects. Spain’s ICAA, the Basque government, and the Estonian Film Institute each contribute financing and logistical support, allowing Lanzadera Films to assemble a diverse talent pool and secure high‑end practical effects without compromising creative vision. By anchoring the shoot in Madrid and employing practical effects alongside retro‑futurist set pieces, the film balances cost‑efficiency with a distinctive visual identity that can attract both festival programmers and streaming curators.

From a market perspective, *The Next Testament* arrives at a time when audiences are hungry for original, high‑concept sci‑fi that diverges from blockbuster formulas. Filmin’s involvement as the Spanish distributor positions the film for strong domestic streaming performance, while the late‑2027 theatrical window opens opportunities for festival circuits and limited releases across Europe and North America. If the film resonates, it could catalyze further investment in genre cinema that marries artisanal filmmaking techniques with transnational storytelling, reinforcing Europe’s reputation as a hub for innovative, auteur‑driven projects.