Thriller '11' Wraps Shooting in Andorra, Eyes Major Festivals

The thriller *11*, a co-production between Andorran firm Contraban and Spain's Mr Miyagi Films, completed its five-week shoot in Sant Julià de Lòria on Friday, with producers aiming for festival debuts including Sitges and potential stops at Berlin or Cannes.

Final scenes unfolded around Borda de la Peguera, the town centre, Rabassa road, Naturland, and Cota 2.000, involving 80 to 115 professionals from Andorra and Spain. About 25 locals handled video assistance, makeup, art, and logistics such as customs, permits, transport, catering, and snow removal. Directed by sisters Clàudia Serra and Paula Serra, the film—shot entirely in Catalan—centres on young esplai leaders and their group of children trapped in an Andorran mountain refuge by a blizzard. A headcount uncovers an extra boy, Leo, escalating threats and testing protagonist Àlex's endurance and ethics.

Producer David Matamoros of Mr Miyagi Films described Andorra as central to the plot, where the storm unleashes mounting tension. He emphasised the film's place in a rising wave of female-led thrillers mixing action and horror, with women steering direction, writing, and key creative roles. Post-production should wrap by early September, launching a festival campaign shortly after to boost Andorra's global profile. Matamoros highlighted a six-fold economic multiplier per public euro spent, as crew outlays on lodging, food, and services surpassed the €125,000 government cinematography grant for 2025. The project has already sparked interest at Berlin's market, with first images eyed for Cannes in May.

David Haro of Contraban pointed to the partnership's benefits, with Andorran staff leading executive production and on-site logistics. He said such ventures build local skills, expand the industry, and streamline institutional support from government and the parish.

Midweek, Culture, Youth and Sports Minister Mònica Bonell toured the set alongside Sant Julià's top consul Cerni Cairat. Bonell praised the grant for its strong Andorran filming percentage, outdoor locations, and local hiring—echoing aid for *42 segundos*, *El fred que crema*, *Borís I, rei d'Andorra*, and *Els de Sau*. She noted clear cultural support alongside economic gains and international exposure, with the government partnering Andorra Business and Andorra Turisme on a film commission to draw bigger productions.

Cairat voiced parish pride in the economic lift from crew stays and spending, plus Sant Julià's €5,000 contribution and logistics aid. He committed to the film commission, citing dramatic terrain and weather as draws.

Local video assistant Joan Albós recounted dawn setups, sustainable fake snow for backgrounds, and outdoor challenges after Barcelona interiors, but lauded Andorra's visuals and growing opportunities. Makeup assistant Inés del Busto and art assistant Judith Puig discussed ageing effects, desperation cues via hair and faces, and set details enriching scenes, while welcoming the sector's rise. Producers anticipate *11* will elevate Andorra's cinematic presence abroad.