Netflix is nearing a deal for US rights to Javier Calvo and Javier Ambrossi’s Cannes Competition title The Black Ball.
The deal, reported to be in the range of $4-5m, is said to include an obligation for a theatrical run of several weeks.
Should the deal conclude, Netflix will also be aiming the title towards the 2026-27 awards season.
The Black Ball (Spanish language title: La Bola Negra) is inspired by an unfinished work of Spanish poet and playwright Federico Garcia Lorca. Written by Calvo and Ambrossi – known as Los Javis – and Alberto Conejero, the film explores the inter-connected lives of three gay men in 1932, 1937 and 2017.
Spanish singer-songwriter Guitarricaldelafuente – real name Alvaro Lafuente Calvo – leads the cast, which also includes supporting roles for Penelope Cruz and Glenn Close.
It is the second Spanish-language Cannes Competition title the streamer has picked up in recent years, after it bought Jacques Audiard’s Emilia Perez in 2024, with the film going on to 13 nominations and two wins at the 2025 Oscars.
It is Los Javis’ first feature since 2017’s Holy Camp! The film debuted in Competition on Thursday evening to a positive reception in the Grand Lumiere, and sparked a bidding war with Neon, A24 and Mubi all reportedly in the race for US rights.
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