Several months have gone by since 'Amor en defensa propia' was premiered, in which you are responsible for the script, the direction and the music. Has it lived up to expectations?
It was shot with a lot of love. The result has filled us with pride. I have been very pleased with the peoples' reaction, although opportunities to get it screened were few and far between, as is often the case with Spanish films. It was there for a short while and not many people went to see it. That was a little disappointing, but then things such as this prize given by the audience raise your spirits. You realise the film is still winning over fans.
The focal point is love as a force capable of getting the best and the worst out of people.
Yes, it's a love story between two people around forty years old who have been staggering from one situation to another their whole lives, but find one last chance to spread their wings. They do it with innocence and enthusiasm. They are however weighed down by a baggage of lies, from which they must free themselves. It is a story about the power of love to transform us and get the best out of us.
Did the fact you are a well-known short filmmaker help you get the project off the ground?
I won a Goya with 'Nada que perder' and it is true that this has been a help. 'Amor en defensa propia' came out of a Universal Studios competition for debut work. The prize was a million euros for the production of a film. So it was all a lot easier, since the reality is it is very difficult to get a feature film off the ground.
Is this a good time for a debut in feature-length films?
It's a bad moment in general, in Spanish cinema and even internationally. These are not good times for anyone. It is particularly difficult for people who are starting, despite the fact there is a lot of talent. There's the talent but not the opportunities.
Do you detect any common elements among the latest generation of filmmakers?
It's difficult to say. Everyone has their own viewpoint and way of making films. It is however true that many of the latest directors have strong personalities and their own outlook.
As for future projects; will you continue to explore human emotions?
I suppose there are people who have seen my short films and think there are common characteristics in 'Amor en defensa propia'. I am going to continue along the same path. I have a couple of projects underway, which I hope to shoot very soon. I am interested in emotional cinema with feelings. The fact I have won an award such as ALCINE's means I am not doing so badly.
