Director Rodrigo Sorogoyen presented ‘El ser querido’ this Sunday at the Atlàntida Mallorca Film Fest, a film that, as he explained, arose from a desire to “tell a different kind of story” in which “there would be no deaths or murderers.” Sorogoyen presented the film alongside screenwriter Isabel Peña and actors Javier Bardem and Vicky Luengo.
During the press conference held at Es Baluard, Sorogoyen explained that, together with screenwriter Isabel Peña, they wanted to “set themselves apart” from what they had been doing up to that point. As he recounted, the idea came about during a lunch with Peña and Luengo, when they began talking about fatherhood. “We saw an interesting story and started writing about a father and a daughter,” he added.
Along the same lines, Peña explained the difficulty they faced in “writing a script that was as close to real life as possible.” In his view, “it’s easier—even though it isn’t—to write a thriller,” since with ‘El ser querido’, they sought to approach the characters with “more feeling and soul.” Regarding the story of a father and daughter depicted in the film, Luengo argued that “the specific is universal.” “In the end, it’s the little things—the ones we all have at home—that we can relate to.”
He also noted that the film “is very well told” and that it is “the most human conflicts” that make viewers feel a connection to the story.
Filming the first scene
Sorogoyen also explained how the film’s first scene was shot, noting that he wanted to do “the reverse process”—preventing the two actors from rehearsing their first encounter together so that the “nervousness” between two people who haven’t seen each other in years would “come across” on screen. As a result, they filmed for an hour and a half, which ultimately resulted in the 18-minute-long opening scene. Luengo said that during the scene, he felt “a sense of an abyss” and that, at the same time, it was “the best experience” he’s ever had on a film set.
Actors Raúl Arévalo and Milena Matthews also took part in the presentation. Arévalo attributed the naturalness of the performances to the fact that the scenes had been “thoroughly rehearsed,” which allowed them to work with “freedom.”
For her part, Matthews stated that the challenge was not to “stand out,” but rather to “blend in” and participate as “just another part of the whole.” Finally, Luengo emphasized that presenting ‘El ser querido’ on her home island is a “very special” experience. “I’m very happy; it’s a very special place and a wonderful opportunity,” she said.
Bardem, outspoken
For his part, Bardem argued on Sunday that those who have “a platform” should express their opinions on current issues, as he believes that “silence always encourages those who commit crimes.“
“It’s important to share your opinion. If you have a platform, do it. I’m not demanding it of anyone, but if you can, it’s good to do so,” the actor emphasized, adding that this “encourages others to do the same.” When asked about the situation in Ceuta and reactionary positions in Europe, he highlighted the importance of speaking out on current events, adding that he does not speak on behalf of the film industry, but rather speaks in a personal capacity as an individual who, in his view, has both the right and the obligation to do so.
