# Chilean film industry funding and ‘The Meltdown’ success

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/chilean-film-industry-funding-and-the-meltdown-success
> Updated: 2026-08-26T16:46:30.000Z. Sources: 5. Developments: 2.

Manuela Martelli’s mystery drama ‘The Meltdown’ (El Deshielo) has gained international attention following its premiere in the Un Certain Regard section at Cannes. The film, an international co-production involving Chile, the United States, Mexico, and Spain, was acquired by the global distributor Mubi for streaming later this year.

Following its acquisition, the Chilean Film Academy selected the film to represent Chile in the Best International Feature category at the 2027 Academy Awards. The production, set in an Andes ski resort during the post-Pinochet era, is also expected to have a theatrical release in the United States via Kino Lorber in early 2027.

The success of the film occurs against a backdrop of significant financial challenges for the Chilean audiovisual sector. Under the administration of President José Antonio Kast, the Ministry of Culture has reported a 9% budget reduction, while the Audiovisual Investment Support Fund is projected to decrease by approximately 64% between 2026 and 2027.

## Claims

- The Chilean Film Academy selected Manuela Martelli’s ‘The Meltdown’ as Chile’s entry for the Best International Feature category at the 2027 Academy Awards. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Gabriel Díaz, president of the Chilean Academy, stated that half of the submitted films for selection were directed by women. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Chile’s Audiovisual Investment Support Fund has been reduced by 64%. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- The administration of President Jose Antonio Kast implemented a 9% cut to the 2027 budget for Chile’s Ministry of Cultures, Arts and Heritage. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Kino Lorber holds the U.S. distribution rights and plans a theatrical release in early 2027. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- ‘The Meltdown’ is a co-production involving Chile, the United States, Mexico, and Spain. (corroborated by 2 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-08-26: Chile selects ‘The Meltdown’ for 2027 Academy Awards

Chile has selected Manuela Martelli’s ‘The Meltdown’ for the 2027 Academy Awards Best International Feature category, amid reports of significant cuts to the nation's audiovisual funding.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/chile-selects-the-meltdown-for-2027-academy-awards

### 2026-08-20: Mubi acquires Manuela Martelli’s ‘The Meltdown’

Mubi has acquired Manuela Martelli’s film ‘The Meltdown,’ set to stream later this year following its San Sebastián Film Festival screening, amid significant Chilean audiovisual funding cuts.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/mubi-acquires-manuela-martellis-the-meltdown

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Cite as: Chilean film industry funding and ‘The Meltdown’ success. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/chilean-film-industry-funding-and-the-meltdown-success