Director and screenwriter Isabel Coixet, together with producer Marisa Fernández Armenteros, took part this Thursday in the Good Star program at the University of Zaragoza, discussing the film Un amor. She noted that it was striking how audiences often judge characters based on moral superiority, a comment that opens a broader conversation about empathy, nuance, and the stories we choose to tell on screen.
The film, which earned seven nominations at the Feroz Awards and is an adaptation of Sara Mesa’s novel, follows Nat as she retreats to the most secluded rural corners of Spain. Coixet described feeling an unmistakable spark or electricity while working with this character, a sense that the screen captures something essential about isolation, longing, and the moral questions people wrestle with. She observed that readers and viewers may align themselves with different figures in the narrative, underscoring how a well-crafted story can invite diverse perspectives and elicit strong emotional responses.
180,000 spectators
In discussing the film’s reception, the production company highlighted that the project has drawn eighteen hundred thousand viewers to cinemas to date, a milestone that signals a broader appreciation for cinema that is both independent and varied in its perspectives. The team emphasized the value of making the film accessible to the public and stressed the importance of continuing to push for opportunities that bring independent cinema to larger audiences. Coixet herself echoed the sentiment, praising the audience’s enthusiasm for independent productions while insisting that hard work must keep pace with growing interest and demand.
Fernández also shared her admiration for Coixet’s approach to storytelling, praising how the director depicts sexuality with honesty and restraint, sparing audiences from clichés or didactic moments. The decision to adapt Sara Mesa’s novel was presented as a natural fit, underscored by the writer’s exceptional talent. Coixet called Mesa one of the most powerful and original voices in contemporary literature, noting that mutual understanding and respect facilitated a seamless collaboration. She added that bringing a globally read work to the screen can be done with reverence for the source while crafting a distinct and cinematic interpretation.
Fernández Armenteros, known for projects such as Cinco lobitos and Agente topo, reflected on the unpredictable nature of cinema. He stated that while luck plays a part, the real drivers are collaboration and a steadfast commitment to projects that align with his beliefs. He explained that his decision-making hinges on long-term investment, insisting that his aim is to spend years on a project he can fully stand behind. For him, producers must maintain the momentum and lead the creative energy that fuels a film from concept to completion.
The producer also commented on the broader industry context, noting that women often receive fewer opportunities and highlighting the importance of working closely with directors like Coixet. Un Amor, marking Coixet’s sixteenth feature, was described as a gift and a privilege for Fernández, a project that reflects both artistic ambition and a personal commitment to stories that deserve wide attention and thoughtful presentation.