Netflix acquires 'La Bola Negra' after Cannes bidding war

Netflix has acquired 'La Bola Negra', or 'The Black Ball', following Cannes bidding war for this queer epic drama

Netflix has acquired North American rights to La Bola Negra, also titled The Black Ball, following a competitive bidding process after its premiere at the Cannes Film Festival.

The deal is believed to be in the region of $5 million, according to industry reports. The sale followed interest from several distributors, including Neon, A24 and Mubi, after the film received a 16-minute standing ovation at its Cannes screening.

The film marks the Cannes competition debut of Spanish filmmakers Javier Ambrossi and Javier Calvo, known collectively as Los Javis.

It is inspired by an unfinished work linked to Spanish poet and playwright Federico García Lorca and spans 85 years of Spanish history. The screenplay was co-written by Ambrossi, Calvo and playwright Alberto Conejero.

The narrative follows three interconnected gay men across different time periods, set in 1932, 1937 and 2017. It explores themes of desire, loss and generational legacy within queer communities.

The title refers to a historical form of exclusion, in which a black ball was used in voting systems to prevent entry to a social club in Granada.

The cast includes Spanish singer-songwriter Guitarricadelafuente in his screen debut alongside Miguel Bernardeau, Carlos González, Milo Quifes and Lola Dueñas.

The film also features Glenn Close in a supporting role, with Penélope Cruz appearing in an extended cameo.

Variety critic Guy Lodge described the film as having “a florid formal approach and heart-on-sleeve emotionalism that will win it fans at home and abroad, both in and outside of the LGBT arthouse market.”

La Bola Negra is co-produced by Movistar Plus+, Suma Content Films, El Deseo, and Le Pacte.