Spain’s Martínez Bayona sets ‘The First Witch’ as next film with Fasten, Tripode

EXCLUSIVE: Spanish filmmaker Martínez Bayona is teaming with Barcelona-based Fasten Films and France’s Tripode Productions for historical drama-thriller The First Witch.

Set in the 17^th century, it follows locals who turn to witch-hunts as a remedy for their woes. But when their children, weary of adult cruelty, rise up, they unleash a cycle of violence driven by fear and superstition. It will be set in the Pyrenees in the Catalan language.

The First Witch will be the second feature by Bayona following €8m sci-fi thriller The End Of It, also co-produced by Fasten, which stars Rebecca Hall, Noomi Rapace and Gael García Bernal and shot earlier this year.

“Bayona explores through a generational portrait how fear and violence are transmitted from adults to their children,” explains Fasten producer Adrià Monés.

Fasten’s most recent title, Miguel Ángel Giménez’s The Birthday Party, premiered this year at Locarno. Other Tripode credits include César Díaz’s Mexico 86.

The First Witch is backed by Spain’s ICAA film institute, ICEC development and Creative Europe MEDIA.

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