la cocina, a black & white kitchen drama starring Rooney Mara, has been picked up by the boutique movie distributor Mubi for an exclusive streaming run in the United States starting May 2. This intense drama, directed by Alonso Ruizpalacios, follows the lives of a team of mostly immigrant workers in a hectic Times Square kitchen, as they navigate the challenges of their high-pressure jobs.
- Starring Rooney Mara and Raul Briones
- Based on the seminal 1957 play “The Kitchen” by Arnold Wesker
- Premiered at the 2024 Berlinale
The film takes place in a chaotic kitchen, where the staff of mostly immigrant workers from diverse backgrounds must contend with the heat, pressure, and weight of their dreams carried from distant homelands. This gripping drama is a true representation of the complexities and challenges faced by immigrant workers in the culinary industry.
| Cast | Crew |
|---|---|
| Rooney Mara and Raul Briones | Alonso Ruizpalacios, Ramiro Ruiz, Gerardo Gatica, Lauren Mann, and Ivan Orlic |
The film received critical acclaim, including a nomination for best director and best cinematography at the 2025 Film Independent Spirit Awards. It was also an official selection at the 2024 Tribeca Festival and the 2024 BFI London film festival.
“We couldn’t be more thrilled that ‘La Cocina’ has found its streaming home at Mubi, a platform that champions bold, visionary filmmaking and auteurs like Alonso,” said Elizabeth Woodward, founder & CEO of the U.S. distributor Willa.
Mubi has been a strong supporter of innovative filmmaking, and this deal is a testament to their commitment to showcasing unique and bold stories. The film will be available to stream exclusively on Mubi starting May 2, giving viewers the opportunity to experience this intense drama firsthand. Impact Campaign
Mubi released “La Cocina” in the U.S. last fall alongside an impact campaign with One Fair Wage, a non-profit organization that advocates for a living wage for low-wage workers. This campaign highlights the importance of fair wages and the impact it can have on individuals and communities.
The film was co-produced by Filmadora in partnership with production companies Panorama, Fifth Season, Astrakan Film AB, and Seine Pictures. It was produced by Ramiro Ruiz, Gerardo Gatica, Lauren Mann, and Ivan Orlic, who is known for his work on the acclaimed film “Mistura” by Ricardo de Montreuil. International Release
The film’s international release continues across Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East, with HanWay handling international sales. This means that audiences around the world will have the opportunity to experience this powerful drama.
Award-Winning Film
La Cocina has collected a clutch of awards, including the Barrière Prize at the 2024 Deauville Film Festival, best film, cinematography, editing, and sound at the 2024 Havana Film Festival. The film is currently nominated for seven Diosas de Plata awards in Mexico, recognizing its excellence in filmmaking.
- Barrière Prize at the 2024 Deauville Film Festival
- Best film, cinematography, editing, and sound at the 2024 Havana Film Festival
- Seven Diosas de Plata awards in Mexico, including best feature film, director, actor, cinematography, adapted screenplay, score, and editing
Ruizpalacios’ most recent credits include three episodes of Disney’s Season 2 of “Andor,” notably the season finale. This success highlights the director’s ability to work on both large-scale and intimate projects. Conclusion
La Cocina is a powerful and intense drama that showcases the complexities and challenges faced by immigrant workers in the culinary industry. With its stunning cinematography, gripping storyline, and outstanding performances, this film is sure to captivate audiences worldwide. Mubi’s exclusive streaming deal will give viewers the opportunity to experience this masterpiece firsthand, and we can’t wait to see how it is received.
