Curfew

In 1980s Peru, an American war correspondent and his former lover, a TV news anchor, risk everything to uncover the truth behind the disappearance of two young journalists, exposing a deadly conspiracy in a land gripped by violence and political unrest.
Film Type
Genre
Historical Political Thriller
Language
English, Spanish, Quechua
Primary Age Group
Young Adults (18-24)
Shooting Locations
Lima
Ayacucho
La Merced
Country of Origin
Peru
Category

"Curfew" is a gripping and intense drama set against the backdrop of Peru's turbulent 1980s, a time marred by political violence and armed conflict. The story centers on Baxter, a seasoned American war correspondent stationed in Lima, who is drawn into a harrowing investigation when two young Peruvian journalists, Eduardo and Laura, whom he had sent on assignment, mysteriously disappear while investigating a rumored massacre in the remote Andean highlands. As Baxter, tormented by his own war-ridden past, embarks on a dangerous quest to find them, he plunges deeper into the heart of a nation unraveling at the seams, where trust is a luxury, and peril is ever-present.

Baxter's pursuit of the truth reunites him with Jimena, a renowned TV news anchor and his former lover, who returns to Peru to aid in the search. Together, they uncover a chilling conspiracy entangled with military corruption and the ruthless Shining Path insurgency, with their only clue being a cryptic video sent by Eduardo and Laura before their disappearance. As they venture deeper into this perilous web of deceit and violence, the truth they uncover threatens to shatter the very fabric of their lives.

In this heart-pounding narrative, "Curfew" pays homage to the courage of investigative journalists and their relentless pursuit of truth in the face of overwhelming adversity. Against the backdrop of a country scarred by conflict, the film highlights the immense personal cost of uncovering buried secrets in a world where the line between friend and foe is constantly shifting.

Key Team

Rodolfo Pereira (Writer-Director)

Rodolfo Pereira is a multi-talented Peruvian filmmaker, diplomat, writer, and journalist, known for his significant contributions to the Peruvian television and film industry. His project "Curfew" has garnered production financing from Peru's Ministry of Culture and has been recognized at international film markets. Pereira has an extensive background in directing documentaries and television series, earning him national and international acclaim. He also has experience as an executive producer for LAPTV, which catered to multicultural audiences across Latin America. His deep understanding of storytelling, combined with his journalistic experience, positions him to authentically capture the tumultuous era depicted in "Curfew." 
IMDB Link

Fernando Munoz (Executive Producer)

Fernando Munoz is a distinguished producer and actor with a robust portfolio in international co-productions and film distribution. He has gained international prestige, notably for his involvement in "CINEMA NOVO," which won Best Documentary at Cannes. Munoz's diverse experience in co-producing films across multiple countries and his leadership in significant cinematic projects make him a pivotal force in bringing "Curfew" to fruition. His background ensures that the film will resonate with audiences globally. 
IMDB Link

Selling Points

  • Screenplay Accolades: "Curfew" has achieved remarkable recognition, winning 16 awards in international screenplay competitions and securing invitations to prestigious film markets in India, Switzerland, Spain, and the USA. This international acclaim underscores the screenplay's powerful narrative and global relevance, particularly in its tribute to the nearly 1,600 journalists killed worldwide in the past 30 years for their commitment to truth.
  • Notable Talent: Award-winning actor Henry Ian Cusick, known for his roles in "Lost" and "The 100," has expressed interest in the project through a Letter of Intent (LOI). Cusick’s involvement adds significant star power and credibility to the film, which will be instrumental in attracting both audiences and investors. 
    IMDB Link
  • Financial Momentum: With $350,000 already raised against an estimated budget of $2.1 million, "Curfew" is well on its way to securing the necessary funding for production. This strong financial foundation indicates substantial investor confidence in the project’s potential.
  • Built-in Audience: The film has garnered endorsements from five major international human rights and journalist organizations, ensuring a ready-made audience. These organizations are committed to organizing promotional campaigns and providing premiere venues in major cities such as Washington, Miami, Paris, and Lima, significantly bolstering the film's outreach and impact.
Budget
$2,100,000
Amount Raised
$350,000

Unique Selling Points

Unique Concept
Curfew is a love letter to investigative journalism and a tribute to the courageous journalists who have sacrificed their lives to uncover the truth. In an era where misinformation and "fake news" are rampant, the film’s emphasis on the pursuit of truth and integrity in journalism resonates across borders, making it particularly impactful in today’s media landscape. The story is set in 1980s Peru but reflects universal struggles around press freedom, human rights, and the fight against authoritarianism.
Social or Cultural Relevance
With support from human rights organizations like the Inter-American Press Association and Reporters Without Borders, Curfew is uniquely positioned to highlight human rights abuses and the dangers faced by journalists worldwide. These endorsements enhance the film’s credibility and appeal to socially-conscious audiences globally. The story sheds light on a lesser-known chapter of Latin American history, capturing the political turmoil of Peru's war with Sendero Luminoso, and has the potential to educate and engage international audiences with a captivating narrative about courage and resilience.
Film Festival Awards
Curfew has already achieved remarkable success on the international screenwriting circuit, winning 16 awards in competitions across the globe and receiving invitations to pitch at prestigious festivals, including the American Film Market (AFM), Auchy Film Festival in Switzerland, and others. This recognition speaks to the screenplay's strength, narrative appeal, and market potential, reinforcing its viability as a project with significant global reach.
Targeted Demographic
As a Peruvian-Brazilian co-production, Curfew naturally embodies Latin American storytelling, appealing to a large Spanish-speaking audience. Its universal themes, however, transcend language and culture, appealing to international markets, particularly in the U.S., Europe, and Latin America. The inclusion of globally recognizable talent, such as a well-known American actor, will further enhance its crossover potential and commercial viability.
Clear Revenue Potential
Curfew’s financial analyses project a strong return on investment due to its modest budget and high narrative appeal. With box office projections reaching USD 18.4 million worldwide (USD 5.7 million in the U.S. alone), the film offers investors a compelling financial proposition. This combination of manageable production costs and high marketability in multiple territories makes Curfew an attractive project for investors and co-producers.
Strong International Appeal
Beyond the politics and action, Curfew is an emotionally charged story about love, loss, and redemption, told through the complex relationship between two journalists haunted by their past. The characters’ arcs—especially the emotional journey of the protagonist and his former lover—lend a layer of human drama that makes Curfew not just a thriller but a deeply engaging story that resonates on a personal level, likely to appeal to audiences worldwide.