The deal, which was finalised on the fringes of the Cannes Film Festival, covers the US distribution rights for a low single-digit million sum. What is noteworthy here is not so much the acquisition of the rights itself as the strategic approach: Netflix will initially release the film in cinemas in the traditional way before it becomes available on its streaming service around a month later.

This theatrical release window is therefore significantly longer than what Netflix has typically offered for many of its original or acquired productions to date. At the same time, it remains shorter than traditional studio releases, which often provide for considerably longer exclusive periods. Nevertheless, the move is seen within the industry as a further sign that Netflix is gradually adjusting its stance towards the cinema industry and is specifically positioning prestige-oriented titles more strongly for the big screen – particularly in the context of the awards season.

„La Bola Negra“ tells a cross-generational queer love story and is loosely based on themes surrounding Federico García Lorca. The film is therefore also regarded, in terms of its content, as a potential festival and prestige title.