The Uruguayan documentary “Soñar Robots” (Dreaming of Robots), directed by Pablo Casacuberta, has joined the international distribution catalog of Deutsche Welle (DW). The agreement was arranged by Amashort, an Argentine distributor led by Claudia Bertolino. This move is expected to broaden the global audience for the film, which explores the growth of robotics in rural Uruguay and its impact on local youth.
“It is a pleasure and a source of pride to work with a company like Deutsche Welle, and we are delighted by the respect and enthusiasm they have shown for the Uruguayan film in our catalog, Soñar Robots,” Bertolino stated on social media. She also emphasized her role in connecting Latin American cinema with international viewers: “Latin American cinema continues to travel the world, and being a bridge that helps make that possible is what we love most.”
Amashort highlighted that DW’s distribution involves a specially adapted 28-minute version of “Soñar Robots” to fit the broadcaster’s half-hour documentary format. “The inclusion of a Latin American production in this selection is a major recognition and an invaluable opportunity,” according to Amashort.
The documentary follows how technological advances in robotics are influencing young people in rural Uruguay, offering them new opportunities beyond their local communities. Bertolino commented on this aspect: “These are films that represent Uruguay very well and tell the story of how the country connects with the world.”
Previously, “Soñar Robots” was made available on European airlines such as Iberia and British Airways through negotiations supported by Uruguay XXI. This allowed passengers worldwide to view the film during flights. Bertolino remarked on this achievement: “This has incredible reach because it literally travels all over the world. I have a lot of faith in Soñar Robots: it stands out because it tells the story of children doing robotics in Uruguay’s interior and winning an international competition.”
Amashort has increased its involvement with Uruguayan audiovisual productions recently, participating both in markets and at festivals. At the invitation of Uruguay XXI, Bertolino served as a jury member at DETOUR New Film Festival’s 13th edition, where she observed: “In the international industry, film schools are highly valued. In Uruguay, I saw full theaters, mentorship programs involving high schools in the interior, and young filmmakers traveling to present their short films. That is truly distinctive.”
Bertolino noted positive trends for Uruguayan cinema internationally: “More and more Uruguayan projects are partnering with Belgium, Germany, France, or Spain. That international dimension helps with both sales and positioning. When stories are local but universal, they connect anywhere.” She added: “What is happening in Uruguayan documentary filmmaking is very powerful. If intimate stories continue to address universal themes and their international pathways are carefully planned, Uruguay is clearly on the right track.”
With its addition to Deutsche Welle’s catalog, “Soñar Robots” strengthens Uruguayan cinema’s presence globally while maintaining its national identity.
