<p><strong>“Two boys, a house, an uncomfortable <em>mise-en-scène</em> and the weight of violence. In a word: masterpiece.” - <em>Sitges Film Festival </em></strong></p>

<p>From one of the most original voices in new Mexican cinema, Amat Escalante (<em>Sangre</em>), comes <em>The Bastards</em> - a nihilistic drama akin to a slow-motion spin on Michael Haneke's <em>Funny Games</em>.</p>

<p>Two young men from Mexico, working illegally in southern California, struggle with a malevolent request and come to a decision driven by survival.</p>

<p>For a generation teethed on quick-cut action/violence, <em>The Bastards</em> - with its lengthy shots and fully extended anamorphic framing - demonstrates how extreme brutality can manifest through stillness and silence. <em></em></p>

<p><em>The Bastards</em> has won awards at multiple festivals, including Best Film at last year's Sitges film festival.</p>

<p>Director Amat Escalante is a guest of the Festival.</p>

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