Netflix’s La Bola Negra is heading to Middleburg, Virginia — not for a premiere, but as the festival’s Friday Spotlight. The announcement comes just two weeks before the 14th edition of the Middleburg Film Festival kicks off on October 15. No word yet on whether the film will screen in theatres or stream exclusively post-festival, but its presence at the event signals confidence from Netflix in its international appeal. Guitarricadelafuente, who stars in and co-wrote the film, will accept the International Spotlight Award and take part in a composers’ panel, where he’ll discuss his original song “La Nieve.” That track, already generating buzz, may be a contender in the awards race, though it’s too early to say if it’ll make the shortlist. Meanwhile, Tony Gilroy’s Behemoth! takes Sunday’s spotlight, and Siân Heder’s Being Heumann closes the fest. The latter will also see casting directors Adam Caldwell and Bernard Telsey honoured with a Special Achievement in Casting Award. The festival’s full lineup includes panels with Billie Jean King and Bill Pullman, a masterclass with Toy Story 5’s Bob Pauley, and tributes to Martin McDonagh, Brad Bird, Seth Rogen, and Rosalind Eleazar. HBO Max is reportedly developing a Spanish series based on the same mysterious Tor Mountain community that inspired La Bola Negra, according to sources quoted by Koimoi. Whether that project moves forward remains unclear. But one thing’s certain: the film isn’t fading into silence. It’s already being called a top Best Picture contender. One month out.