Chile’s Juntos Films and Colombia’s Ferviente Films team up for “Domestic Animals,” a powerful drama that explores class, identity and the American dream. Starring Angie Cepeda and Juan Pablo Raba, the film delves into the lives of a domestic worker and a wealthy family in Miami.
Domestic Animals, an upcoming drama directed by Colombian director Rafael Martínez Moreno, is becoming an important project in Latin American cinema. The film is a collaborative effort between Juntos Films of Chile and Ferviente Films of Colombia, and stars two of Colombia’s most popular actors, Angie Cepeda and Juan Pablo Raba. This cross-cultural partnership highlights the strong ties between the two countries in storytelling and filming.
Adapted from the original story by Antonio Garcia Angel, “Pets” explores the complex dynamics of class, identity and the pursuit of the American Dream. The narrative centers around Felicidad, a 55-year-old domestic worker in Miami who becomes embroiled in the life of the seemingly perfect Ibarra family. As Felicidad becomes more involved in their luxurious world, she witnesses the unraveling of the marriage between Guillermo (played by Raba), an investor, and Claudia (played by Cepeda), a former beauty queen. The film’s exploration of these themes is not only a commentary on the personal struggles of its characters, but also a broader reflection on social issues that resonate throughout Latin America.
Speaking to Variety, Juntos Films’ Francisco Hervé and Felipe Egaña emphasized the story’s deep roots in Latin American culture. “When we read ‘Pets,’ we recognized it as a predominantly Latin American story. The journey of its protagonist, Felicidad, is one of immigration, marked by the challenges of inequality and classism, but navigated with dignity and optimism,” they shared. This recognition of the film’s cultural importance motivated Juntos Films to join forces with Ferviente Films, further strengthening the partnership between Chile and Colombia to bring this important story to life.
Exploring the complexities of class and identity
“Pets” delves into the complicated layers of class and identity, particularly in the context of the American dream. Ferviente Films’ Ivan Luna, also interviewed by Variety, noted how the film addresses these themes through its portrayal of the Ibarra family and Felicidad’s experiences. The story captures the ambiguity of the American Dream, where the pursuit of success often leads to the erosion of deep personal bonds and the reinforcement of cultural and class barriers.
The film’s setting in Miami, a city known for its stark contrasts between wealth and poverty, is an ideal backdrop for this exploration. Through Felicidad’s eyes, the audience is invited to witness the efforts of those who work in the shadows to maintain the facades of the rich. Felicidad is not just a passive observer; her dreams and desires are deeply influenced by the world she inhabits, making her a central figure in the narrative.
The decision to film primarily in Colombia, with a week of filming in Miami for exteriors, underscores the film’s commitment to authenticity while emphasizing the transnational nature of its subjects. The producers hope to secure funding from Colombia, Chile and potential partners from Mexico and Europe to complete this ambitious project. Principal photography is expected to begin in the first semester of 2026, with the team currently focused on reaching the funding stage.
A decidedly female perspective
One of the most compelling aspects of “Pets” is its focus on the relationship between the two central female characters, Felicidad and Claudia. Ferviente Films’ Diana Pérez Mejia emphasized the importance of having writer Juliana Ospina on board to ensure the script reflects an important female perspective. “Her involvement provides an essential female perspective in shaping the main characters and the complex relationship between Felicidad and Claudia, which is the focus of the current script revision,” Pérez Mejia told Variety.
This focus on the female perspective is particularly important in a story that deals with themes of power, class and vulnerability. Both Felicidad and Claudia are trapped in different ways by social expectations. As a domestic worker, Felicidad is expected to remain invisible and submissive, while Claudia, a former beauty queen, is constrained by the need to maintain her image and status. The film explores how these two women navigate their roles within a patriarchal society and how their interactions with each other reveal deeper truths about their identities.
In her interview with Variety, Angie Cepeda, who plays Claudia, expressed her deep connection to the story and its themes. “What has struck me most about this story is that, even though we may seem to come from different worlds, vulnerability brings us together,” she said. This shared vulnerability is a central theme in “Pets,” emphasizing the common humanity that transcends social and economic divides.
A film for our times
“Pets” is more than a film about the lives of its characters; it is a reflection of broader social issues that resonate in today’s world. The film’s exploration of class, immigration and the American dream speaks to the experiences of many people around the globe who are facing similar challenges. At a time of growing social and economic inequality, the story of the Felicidad and Ibarra family is a powerful reminder of the human cost of these inequalities.
The decision to co-produce the film between Chile and Colombia, with potential partners from Mexico and Europe, also speaks to the collaborative spirit of Latin American cinema. By bringing together talent and resources from across the region, filmmakers can create a work deeply rooted in its cultural context and with universal resonance.
As the film progresses into production, the team behind “Pets” is keenly aware of their responsibility to tell this story. The challenges of capturing the nuances of class and identity on screen are significant, but the filmmakers are committed to doing justice to the material. The involvement of experienced actors such as Angie Cepeda, Juan Pablo Raba and the creative vision of Rafael Martínez Moreno gives the project a solid foundation for success.
Looking Forward
As “Domestic Animals” progresses through the stages of its development, the anticipation surrounding the film continues to grow. With its powerful themes, compelling characters and talented cast and crew, the film has the potential to significantly impact Latin American cinema and the global film landscape.
For the team behind the film, the journey to bring Pets to the screen has just begun. The next few years will be crucial in securing the necessary funds, finalizing the script and preparing for production. But with the passion and dedication of everyone involved, there is little doubt that the film will succeed.
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Ultimately, “Pets” is a story about the complexities of the human experience, told through the lens of class, identity, and the pursuit of the American Dream. It challenges us to think deeply about our world and how we are all connected, regardless of our social or economic status. And it promises to resonate with audiences long after the credits roll.
As Variety continues to report on the progress of “Domestic Animals,” one thing is clear: this film has the potential to make a lasting impact, both on screens and in the hearts of viewers around the world.
