Bodies of Summer: RT Features Announces Star‑Studded Sci‑Fi Drama
RT Features has revealed the cast and first look for "Bodies of Summer," a speculative science‑fiction drama written by Ivan Fund and Martín Felipe Castagnet. The film explores a future where consciousness can be transferred between bodies, following a man’s quest to reconnect with his aging son. T…
By Felo News Desk · Published
RT Features, the production house behind James Gray’s "Paper Tiger" and Walter Salles’ Oscar‑winning "I’m Still Here," has announced the full cast and released a first‑look image for its upcoming speculative science‑fiction drama, "Bodies of Summer." The film, written by director‑producer Ivan Fund and Argentine novelist‑screenwriter Martín Felipe Castagnet, stars Taiwanese actor Lee Kang‑sheng, Argentine actress Miranda de la Serna and Argentine actor Marcelo Subiotto.
What the Film Is About
"Bodies of Summer" is set in a near‑future world where death is no longer an absolute end. In this society, a body that has exhausted its biological resources can have its consciousness uploaded into a digital limbo and later re‑embodied in a new physical form. The story follows Rana, a man who has existed as data for a century and is resurrected in a cheap, fragile body. Determined to find his son, who has chosen to die naturally, Rana confronts a culture that has made death optional.
The screenplay is based on Castagnet’s award‑winning novel of the same name. Fund and Castagnet have previously collaborated on "Dusk Stone" (Venice Days 2021) and "The Message," which earned Fund a Silver Bear Jury Prize at the 2023 Berlin Film Festival.
The Cast and Their Backgrounds
Lee Kang‑sheng is best known for his long‑term partnership with Taiwanese auteur Tsai Ming‑liang, appearing in films such as "The Wayward Cloud" and "The River." He has also worked with director Yeo Siew Hua on "Stranger Eyes." Miranda de la Serna, a celebrated Argentine actress, starred alongside Leonardo Sbaraglia in "Wandering Heart" and has appeared in numerous international productions. Marcelo Subiotto, a versatile Argentine actor, recently played a ruthless police commissioner in Fund’s "The Message" (2025) and delivered a powerful performance in RT Features’ "Glaxo."
RT Features’ Global Reach
RT Features has been expanding its presence in Latin America and beyond. The company produced Rami Kodeih’s "Furies," which screened at the Venice Film Festival, and Benjamín Naishtat’s "Glaxo," which premiered at TIFF and is now competing for the Golden Shell at San Sebastián. These projects, along with "Bodies of Summer," demonstrate the studio’s commitment to international storytelling.
Founder Teixeira has built a slate that includes Chilean Dominga Sotomayor’s "La Perra" (Cannes Directors’ Fortnight), Guatemalan filmmaker Jayro Bustamante’s upcoming thriller "República Luminosa," and the 2026 releases "Bowells of Hell" (Rotterdam) and "Isabel" (Berlin). The studio’s growth reflects a broader trend of Latin‑American cinema gaining global recognition.
What’s Next for the Film
"Bodies of Summer" will likely premiere at a major international festival, following the trajectory of RT Features’ recent releases. The studio’s CEO Teixeira is scheduled to speak at San Sebastián’s Creative Investors Conference, where he may discuss the film’s themes and the studio’s strategy for global distribution.
With its blend of speculative science‑fiction and intimate family drama, "Bodies of Summer" promises to engage audiences who appreciate thoughtful storytelling and innovative world‑building. As the first look circulates, anticipation is building for the film’s eventual release and the impact it may have on the genre.
Key facts
- RT Features unveils cast for "Bodies of Summer"
- Film explores consciousness transfer in a future where death is optional
- Ivan Fund and Martín Felipe Castagnet co‑write the screenplay
- RT Features expands its global presence with recent festival successes
- Upcoming San Sebastián conference to discuss the film
Why it matters
The film’s premise challenges conventional views on mortality and identity, offering a fresh perspective within the science‑fiction genre. Its international cast and production team highlight the growing influence of Latin‑American cinema on the global stage.
Frequently asked questions
When will "Bodies of Summer" premiere?
The exact date has not been announced, but it is expected to debut at a major international film festival.
What is the film’s central theme?
The narrative examines the possibility of consciousness surviving beyond biological death and the societal implications of such technology.
Who are the main actors?
The film stars Lee Kang‑sheng, Miranda de la Serna, and Marcelo Subiotto.
How does the film relate to Ivan Fund’s previous work?
It continues his exploration of speculative worlds, as seen in "The Message" and "Dusk Stone."
Sources
- [1] variety.com — originally reported as “RT Features’ ‘Bodies of Summer,’ From Berlin Winner Iván Fund, Starring Lee Kang-sheng, Miranda de la Serna and Marcelo Subiotto, Unveils First Look (EXCLUSIVE)”
