Javier Marco’s career pushes forward with a feature-length follow-up to a Goya-winning short
Javier Marco’s short film won the Goya Award for best fiction short in 2021, a recognition that helped propel his next move in cinema. The project began as a study by Belén Sánchez-Arévalo, with a cast including Sonia Almarcha and Manolo Solo, and a storyline that explored online hostility through the lens of a mother and a public figure facing relentless abuse. Although the early version completed its festival life with the short, Marco believed the premise deserved a broader stage and pursued a feature-length continuation bearing the same title.
Nearly four years have passed since the writing collaboration with Sánchez-Arévalo started. The production has sought financing and development through the Film Academy Residency Program, aiming to extend the narrative into a full-length film scheduled for release in the coming June. The intention is to deepen the characters and expand the world introduced in the short, with the project now identified as a potential second cinematic chapter for the director, who also produced across several partnerships.
Marco notes that financing discussions have brought in joint commitments from the teams involved, highlighting the collaborative spirit that has driven the project forward. A new version of the script is underway, and the director expresses strong confidence that the story will continue to evolve. His drive to expand the film’s scope reflects a belief that there is always more to explore within the core premise.
Beyond directing, Marco has taken on producing responsibilities, founding Lobster Movies and collaborating with Sin Movies and LaCima Productions as they search for further international partnerships. The production is anticipated to receive additional support from regional and European funding bodies as the project moves toward green light.
financing discussions suggest a formal commitment ahead. The Madrid-based Creative Europe Media Desk, the Instituto de Cinematografía y de las Artes Audiovisuales (ICAA), and the Institut Valencià de Cultura are expected to contribute a substantial grant toward production. The director notes that while the main filming location is planned for Madrid and Castilla-La Mancha, parts of the crew from the Valencian Community could be involved as the project develops.
Javier Marco places his long-form ambition alongside the success of The Good Boss
Marco explains that the long-format project will mirror the emotional and narrative core of the short, while giving him space to revisit his characters in a larger setting. He envisions a return to the same cast for crucial scenes, emphasizing the aim to portray the hostile online environment with greater nuance. The character Pedro and the beleaguered Lina—who endures personal tragedy amid public scrutiny—are designed to resonate with a broader audience, linking their experiences to universal themes of loneliness and resilience. The director intends to push the psychological complexity of the roles further, inviting viewers to consider how digital cruelty shapes real lives.
He remains eager to begin filming and to continue engaging with actors on set, underscoring his commitment to hands-on collaboration and ongoing acting studies to refine performances.
Realist cinema and a steady path toward the Goya audience
Marco’s approach centers on accessible realism that still invites ambitious storytelling. His work on this project aligns with a broader strategy of producing films that speak clearly to audiences while maintaining artistic integrity. The director’s voice—rooted in personal experience and a keen eye for human dynamics—aims to connect with viewers who crave authentic, character-driven drama.
Additional projects
Before the six-week shoot for the new feature begins, a fresh short is planned in Madrid between February and March. This upcoming drama carries a touch of dark comedy and represents the first collaboration with Langosta Films. It ponders a provocative question: what happens when the person who saved you from danger is also someone who has caused harm? The project invites audiences to reflect on moral ambiguity and the silence that often surrounds trauma.
Further plans suggest a prolific year, including the directive of a three-part miniseries written by Alcoy’s Tirso Calero. The series, titled Pirates in Denia, explores a cinema within a cinema concept linked to a 1950s American blockbuster shot in the Marina Alta. The historical narrative reveals how filmmaking wove itself into the fabric of the town and altered its people. The project envisions two timelines: the shooting era and the present, with participants recreating Denia in the 50s and sharing the experience of cinema’s influence on daily life.
Central Mediterranean Productions, in association with Calero’s production company Study Where, will oversee the project with support from the Institut Valencià de Cultura. The plan illustrates a broader ambition to blend regional storytelling with international appeal, enriching the cinematic landscape of the region while honoring its heritage.