EXCLUSIVE: Paula Ortiz has set her next film as Brothers Land, which will see the Spanish filmmaker team with AF Films and frequent Quentin Tarantino collaborator Shannon McIntosh. 

The project, which is based on an article published in 2018 by Arturo Pérez-Reverte dubbed “La Tierra de Nadie” (“No Man’s Land”), is a historical drama set during the Spanish Civil War. The story centers on the fragility of human bonds in the times of war, centering on the unexpected reunion of two brothers fighting on opposite sides. 

Brothers Land follows a young soldier fighting on the front lines as he reflects on the pain of loss and the senselessness of war. In a trench near the so-called “no man’s land,” he unexpectedly encounters his brother, who is fighting for the opposing side. Their brief moment of connection becomes the emotional core of the story. 

The film will revisit one of the most intense and complex chapters in Spanish history and Pérez-Reverte, who is known for his experience as a war correspondent, is revered in Spain as being one of the most influential voices in contemporary Spanish literature and journalism. 

“It is a challenge to look at the wound of our history through the story of two brothers forced to fight one another in a corner of my homeland,” said Ortiz, whose previous credits include The Bride, Teresa and The Red Virgin.

AF Films is producing along with McIntosh via her McIntosh Films banner. McIntosh is a long-time producing partner of Tarantino, with credits including Once Upon A Time In Hollywood and The Hateful Eight. She is currently producing a multi-picture slate in partnership with Globe Originals and Universal Music Group. 

AF Films, which is founded by Frank Ariza, has a portfolio that includes Antonio Banderas starrer Above and Below, Last Days, Reversión, El vestido, La silla, Fragmentos and Sundance hit Sorry, Baby.