On June 25, 1978, LGTBI groups across Spain poured into the streets to demand equal rights and to protest a law that criminalized their identities. This march marked a pivotal moment, commemorating the pioneering demonstration of sexual freedom held in Barcelona the year before. It is widely regarded as the first Pride Day in the country’s history. In response to this historic moment, Malaga-born filmmaker Alejandro Marín pays tribute through his debut feature, I Love You Madly, released nationwide. He reflects on a period when there were strong forces seeking to roll back the rights won during those transformative years, underscoring the film’s mission to preserve that progress in the public memory.
He premiered in competition alongside his fifth adventure. Indiana Jones and the new family comedy Santiago Vault. Who spoke of fear…
Despite the calendar’s heat and a summer cinema landscape that has seen tougher seasons, there is a sense that the film will resonate with audiences at multiple screenings. The team believes the story will travel through word of mouth and linger in theaters. The tone of I Love You Madly, they say, invites a broad audience into a space between social drama and comedy, making the narrative accessible without sacrificing its social resonance.
The project is a culmination of formal training and lived history, having recently completed its training at the prestigious ESCAC, the Superior Film School of Catalonia. Was it clear from the outset that this would be the story to launch a career?
Several elements came together. The team first immersed themselves in the history of early LGTBI demonstrations, then collaborated with co-writer and producer Carmen Garrido Vacas. A master’s degree at ESCAC’s First Study Lab helped shape the project, and Vox’s visit to Andalusia, alongside real-world incidents of homophobic attacks in Spain, reinforced the urgency of telling this story. Everything began aligning at a critical moment, guiding the decision to bring this narrative to life.
Many viewers already knew the director from the television series Maricón Perdido. Bob Pop, from your bio, and the transition to the screen is a natural progression. In fact, I’m Loving You Insane continues that trajectory in a meaningful way.
Cinema and television function as powerful tools for social awareness and memory. Creating a film about the people who started fighting for today’s rights is a source of pride for any filmmaker involved. For a member of the LGTBI community, the project feels like a direct and personal contribution to ongoing visibility and history.
In Te Estoy Amando Locamente, the story centers not only on the collective but also on the personal life of Miguel, played by Omar Banana, and his mother Reme, portrayed by Ana Wagener. Was there a worry about balancing the social dimension with the intimate, private arcs of the characters?
The intention was to honor the broader reality of the period without losing sight of individual voices. Carmen, the screenwriter and producer, and the director ensured that the experiences of people living through those years—faced with the pressure of living openly and without fear of judgment—were faithfully represented. This approach aims to extend the film’s reach beyond any single community to touch audiences worldwide.
Reme’s character is described as the key to universal appeal.
Reme, brought to life by Wagener, anchors the film in humanity. Her portrayal helps the story connect with viewers of varied backgrounds, regardless of sexual orientation. Wagener’s disciplined, nuanced performance adds depth to the portrayal, offering audiences a nuanced lens through which to understand the era. The process has been a valuable learning experience for everyone involved.
Seeing I Love You Madly, one sees a testament to the collaboration between diverse groups that supported LGTBI visibility in seventies Spain.
The struggle was a cross-pollination of movements: feminists, labor activists, and even open-minded clergy workers stood together. It highlighted a level of solidarity that many modern viewers may find hard to imagine, and it underscores the importance of unity in pursuing rights that endure. The film frames this solidarity as a living, breathing force that continues to inspire contemporary audiences to stand together against setbacks.
The premiere of the film arrived in a climate of intense political debate, with many looking ahead to future elections as a gauge of national sentiment.
The reception among diverse communities is anticipated to reinforce the idea that rights must be defended and expanded, not simply accepted as they stand. The film’s message—about persistence, community, and resilience—resonates with audiences who understand that progress requires ongoing commitment and collective action.