2021 Sundance Film Festival Predictions: Marco Perego Saldana’s Keyhole Garden

If we had to look at all the line-ups of the fest for the past two decades we’d find at least one “border” drama per edition. Perhaps this item fits that bill. Partners in love become creative partners in life in Marco Perego Saldana‘s directorial debut, Keyhole Garden. Production took place in New Mexico back in August of 2019 with Zoe Saldana toplining and being supported by Garrett Hedlund and Tom Waits.

Gist: Written by Perego-Saldana and Rick Rapoza, this traces the sprawling romance of a man and woman whose love for each other struggles to overcome the divisiveness of life on America’s southern border. The film is a timely exploration of the humanity of immigration and the fragility of life through three interwoven narratives: a young boy trying to save his undocumented friend from deportation; an immigration agent unknowingly dooming a former lover; and a cartel trafficker carrying out his last mission.

Production Co./Producers: Julie Yorn, Rick Yorn, Alexandra Milchan, Marco Perego Saldana, Pioneer Pictures’ Robert Kravis, Karl Herrmann.

Prediction: U.S. DRAMATIC COMPETITION

U.S. Distributor: Rights Available. CAA (domestic), The Exchange (international).