Mario Hernández’s debut feature emerged at a pivotal moment for a Catalan-Spanish cinema scene linked to the Alicante festival ecosystem. Born in Almansa and deeply rooted in Alicante, Hernández trained at the University of Alicante and at the now-defunct Ciudad de la Luz Research Center. He directed the Alicante festival under the leadership of Vicente Seva, a figure who helped shape the local festival circuit. The project follows a defining arc in Hernández’s career, anchored by the creative energy of his hometown and its festival network.
The film, described as an anti love story about a performer and a scriptwriter who have shared ten years together and are forced to confront their past when they reconnect at a film festival, premiered at Riverside Studios in London. It secured top honors at the Alicante festival, including the best film award, and earned recognition for its screenplay by the director and for a standout performance by Bruna Cusí. The achievements reflect a strong cross national appeal, underscoring a theme of artistic tension that resonates with festival audiences in multiple cities.
The director notes that his career has grown in tandem with the Alicante Film Festival. The festival served as both a professional incubator and a launching pad, turning a short project into a feature that received multiple awards. This international exposure began at the London Spanish Film Festival, a platform that has become central to Hernández’s ongoing collaboration with Spanish cinema. The film’s reception at the festival added a new dimension to its profile, affirming its role within a broader national cinematic conversation and complementing its theatrical release across Spain. The director emphasizes pride in being part of a program that celebrates the work of Spanish creators and the cinematography produced within the country.
Hernández expresses gratitude for events such as the Spanish Film Festival in London, noting that these platforms enable Spanish cinema to reach audiences beyond borders. The festival experience is framed as a cooperative effort that promotes cinema and the touring life of festivals across Europe, offering other markets a glimpse of contemporary Spanish storytelling.
Granero highlights the enduring friendship between the Alicante Film Festival and the London Spanish Film Festival. The collaboration, she notes, is fertile and resilient, and this year’s winning film will be featured at both festivals. The aim is to recognize talent across Spain while extending its reach to international audiences, reinforcing a shared commitment to cinematic excellence and cultural exchange.
Other editions
Past editions of the London festival have showcased additional Alicante screenings of notable Spanish works. In these editions, films have earned both the Tesela de Oro for best film and the Tesela de Plata for outstanding directing and screenplay, among other honors. Performances by acclaimed actors have also received Silver Tesela recognitions, highlighting the festival’s role in spotlighting acting talent. Earlier entries featured open door moments with leading figures such as Carmen Machi and Terele Pávez, while awards recognized features and performances across multiple categories. Notable works from the festival have included a blend of genre and narrative styles, from intimate dramas to genre cinema, all contributing to a robust tapestry of Spanish cinema celebrated abroad.