non professional actors
In discussing the film, the cast is central to the creative vision. The director emphasizes that the drive came from finding a trio of young talents who could bring authenticity to the roles. The goal was clear: cast non-professional youths who would add real texture to the story, letting the characters feel lived-in rather than performed. It took time to assemble the ensemble. One lead was written with a specific actor in mind, while another performer emerged through multiple casting sessions and proved to be an unexpected standout. The actors, not seasoned professionals, offered a natural cadence and honesty that surprised everyone involved. Directing a sibling into a pivotal role added another layer of depth, offering a window into the dynamics that only family ties can provide. The result was a film that breathes with genuine moments that only non-actors can convey, creating a sense of immediacy and truth that resonates with audiences.
six weeks of shooting
Filming unfolded over six focused weeks across several Barcelona neighborhoods, followed by a brief period in the capital. Time moved quickly, and the team reflects on the material with a shared sense of pride. The director notes that cutting room work will reveal the final balance, admitting some uncertainty while praising the effort that shaped the project. The experience was transformative, reshaping perspectives on the craft and highlighting the invisible labor behind every frame. Gratitude flows to the crew for supporting a vision aimed at producing the best possible film. A fellow filmmaker friend offered practical advice during the late stages, underscoring a philosophy of rest and work as a path through disappointment.
When asked about blending directing with commentary and acting, the response is thoughtful. The filmmaker envisions continuing to direct if the project communicates meaning and maintains a certain edge, even if challenges arise. The optimism remains intact, paired with a practical sense of what the work requires.
Deborah François, co-writer (and former partner) of the film
The screenplay began as the pandemic unfolded, and the author notes that the writing progressed through 2020. Deborah François contributed an essential perspective on the set, bringing a feminine viewpoint that helped shape a modern, strong female character. Candela Fernández helped craft that voice, ensuring the character felt contemporary and real. The collaborative process was described as a vital element in grounding the film’s social realism, a quality that aligns with a broader tradition in European cinema that values the texture of everyday life and the rhythm of people’s lives. The team sought to balance social-naturalism with a grounded human experience, letting real conversations and reactions guide the narrative. The result is a story that feels intimate, immediate, and true to the world it depicts, with influences drawn from classic and contemporary works that chart the street-level experience of youth.