Cristina Rodriguez has spent decades shaping costumes for more than 70 films and has earned six Goya Award nominations since 2010. Academics are once again placing her name among the contenders for her work on the movie Javier Ruiz Caldera, a potential seventh nomination on the horizon. The Benidorm native quips that there’s no other path she would rather take, smiling at the prospect as she nears 53. With a mix of pride and realism, she reflects on a career that began in a younger era and recalls how the road to the Goyas has been a beautiful, if sometimes demanding, journey.
Rodríguez has been deeply involved in an adventure comedy set against a backdrop of Nazis and zombies. The project blends history with fantasy, demanding long nights in rural settings, with extensive makeup and practical effects. She describes the process as both challenging and rewarding, thriving on the chance to improvise and grow. She has led the department since she was 23 and has designed countless characters. Repetition is not her aim; she seeks fresh ground and new ideas with every project.
Rodríguez admits some disappointment that only the costumes and special effects were recognized in nominations for the film. She notes the project had a long release window and believes the comedy genre often gets underrated during awards season. If victory arrives, she hopes the honor extends to the entire team, not just the individual designer.
The designer recently finished a season on the series Hitnow and has two films awaiting release: almost family from Álvaro Fernández Armero and husbands from Lucia Germany. She looks forward to a project back in her homeland, underscoring her pride in her Benidorm roots. “I’m from Benidorm, and I love it. I always say what I do because I’m from Benidorm,” she says with quiet conviction.
Adem Aliaga, a filmmaker from San Vicente del Raspeig, earned a fresh nomination for best short documentary with La gàbia. Previously nominated in 2018, co-director Alex Lora discusses the challenges and the campaign needed to reach academics so they can vote if they appreciate the work.
Since its premiere at Seminci, the short has drawn attention for its simple, personal storytelling. Aliaga reflects on a Sunday at his father’s house and recalls the reception as warm and meaningful. He notes the project has resonated with audiences and critics alike.
His parents, who appeared in previous shorts, supported his decision to invite them back into the process. He frames the project as a tribute, sharing a personal anecdote about a canary and a cat to convey deeper emotion. He acknowledges his father is no longer alive and hopes the Goya recognition might come, but the journey itself remains meaningful.
Double nomination for “El agua”
Álvaro Aliaga will align with Elena Lopez Riera, a filmmaker from Orihuela, for best new director on her first feature. The project explores women and water legends in their hometown and has drawn attention since its Cannes Directors’ Fortnight debut.
The director feels buoyant about the prospects, noting the industry’s strong slate of contenders this year. She remains grounded and grateful for the team’s effort and the opportunity to share this story with audiences. Among the nominees, a sense of camaraderie prevails, even as competition rises. The cinema landscape now offers more films at international festivals than ever before, which adds to the excitement and pressure alike.
Young actress Luna Pamies, whom López Riera met one night, speaks with hopeful optimism. The director praises Luna’s talent and believes she deserves the Goya. The filmmaker also celebrates Aliaga as a representative of Alicante cinema and notes that 2023 will bring premieres in France and Switzerland for López Riera’s project, signaling the continued momentum of their collective journey.
Elena, a woman from San Bartolomé, discusses her surprise at the nomination and her initial insecurity. The recognition felt surreal, and she is still adjusting to the attention. The moment is thrilling and overwhelming, yet she stays focused on her craft and the work ahead.
The young actress Luna Pamies reflects on her own experience, describing how the nomination has shifted her perspective. She considers representation and career steps but wants to stay present in the moment and enjoy the ride. The possibility of a directing nod for Elena Lopez Riera energizes the group, underscoring the collective nature of modern cinema where directors, writers, and performers share in the success.
collective nomination
In the fiction short film category, Pedro Díaz directs a group featuring Ramón Barea, Ferrán Vilasojana, and a team including producer Carlos Guerrero from Elche and his colleagues at 39 Escalones Films. The year’s slate also includes Gora Automatikoa as a notable produced entry. The mood among peers is positive, with gratitude for being acknowledged by fellow professionals.
The sense of achievement is strong as nominees prepare for an awards season that often requires careful coordination and a shared sense of purpose. The recognition is embraced not as a victory for individuals alone but as a testament to the collaborative effort that sustains the industry and fuels future projects.