Because the extremely expected Spanish musical display “Mariliendre” gears up for this week’s global premiere on the Málaga Movie Competition, screening at France’s Sequence Mania and an April 27 debut on Atresplayer, Selection sat down with the display’s author and director, Javier Ferreiro, to talk about his debut collection.
A six-episode musical dramedy, Mariliendre – produced via Spain’s freshest filmmaking duo Los Javis (Javier Calvo and Javier Ambrossi) at Suma Content material (“Veneno,” “Los angeles Mesías”) – explores issues of friendship, LGBTQ+ tradition, frame positivity and the facility of tune in shaping identification.
Set in Chueca, one of the colourful and homosexual neighborhoods within the Spanish capital and most likely the arena, “Mariliendre” – a not unusual Spanish nickname for the girl best possible pal of a homosexual guy or staff of homosexual males – follows Meri Román, a former queen of Madrid’s homosexual nightlife. Now, at 35 years previous, the ones days of popularity are within the evaluate replicate for Meri, a dethroned diva who can’t let move of the previous and is bored via her mundane provide.
The high-concept display follows Meri as she investigates a facet of her father’s existence that she by no means knew about whilst he was once alive. Her investigation into the previous is paralleled via the target market’s uncovering of Meri’s personal bothered previous and the reality about why her staff of pals are now not a part of her existence.
Fashionable on Selection
Selection: First off, congratulations at the global premiere. As a filmmaker, what does it imply to debut “Mariliendre” at Málaga?
Ferreiro: It’s such an honor. This collection has been within the making for over 5 years, from the preliminary concept to the serious filming procedure and post-production. A musical calls for super effort, from choreography to securing tune rights, and Málaga’s spotting that effort approach the arena. Plus, it’s an excellent platform for selling the display. As my debut as a chain author and director, I’m each apprehensive and excited to peer how the target market responds.
Musical collection are uncommon in Spain, particularly with such an formidable structure. How did you broaden the display’s musical identification?
We knew from the beginning that tune needed to be deeply woven into the narrative. The songs aren’t simply performances; they force the tale ahead. We use a mixture of unique songs and covers from the early 2000s, a length that resonates with the LGBTQ+ neighborhood and inspires nostalgia. The problem was once opting for songs that are compatible naturally throughout the tale and securing the rights, which, thankfully, labored out in our want.
The primary two episodes have other buildings. The premiere appears like an advent, whilst the second one performs extra like an investigation. Are you able to elaborate in this method?
Completely. Structurally, I used to be impressed via “Damaged Plants,” the place Invoice Murray’s personality revisits other people from his previous. “Mariliendre” follows a equivalent construction, because the protagonist, Mari, reconnects with figures from her adolescence. The primary episode units the degree, revealing the previous, whilst the second one establishes the continuing thriller. Because the collection progresses, the construction shifts — Episode 4, as an example, diverges considerably. We needed to stay audiences on their ft.
The display uniquely blends fact with delusion. Some musical numbers are rooted in realism, whilst others replicate Mari’s creativeness. How did you stability those parts?
I really like musicals that push limitations, like “Los angeles Los angeles Land,” and we needed to play with other tones. Some numbers, just like the one-shot collection in Episode 2, are grounded in fact. Others, like Mari’s imagined interactions together with her father, are heightened delusion. Those moments replicate her internal conflicts, serving to audiences perceive her emotional adventure.
You could have an outstanding solid, together with “Operación Triunfo” alum Martín Urrutia and “Élite” superstar Omar Ayuso. How did you method casting?
Casting was once an important. With a musical, you all the time ask: will we solid singers who can act or actors who can sing? After all, in any case, everybody must be adept at each. We explored each avenues, looking at numerous musicals, collection and movies, or even taking into consideration established musicians. Extra than simply skill, we needed actors who embodied the essence in their characters. Blanca [Martínez], for example, is a Mariliendre in genuine existence. Her chemistry with the solid made her best for the position. Martín was once a chance — coming instantly from [Spain’s popular singing competition series] “Operación Triunfo,” he had no performing enjoy—however he has fantastic presence and proved to be a herbal performer.
Friendship is on the core of “Mariliendre.” It’s uncommon to peer musicals focused round platonic relationships. How did you broaden that dynamic?
That was once intentional. Maximum musicals revolve round romance, however “Mariliendre” is set friendship and neighborhood. The solid become shut in genuine existence, which made their on-screen chemistry easy. They bonded off-set, which translated fantastically to their performances. Episode 3 has a scene in a bar the place the characters engage so naturally that you’re feeling such as you’re eavesdropping on genuine pals.
The collection is advised from Mari’s point of view but additionally comprises the voices of her homosexual pals and explores numerous identities. How necessary was once illustration within the writing procedure?
It was once very important. The writing workforce incorporated ladies and LGBTQ+ folks, every bringing other generational views. This allowed us to create well-rounded, unique characters. However illustration wasn’t simply within the script — it prolonged to the staff and the solid. A lot of our actors brazenly establish as LGBTQ+, and we made certain to foster an inclusive setting on set.
You discussed {that a} real-life Mariliendre impressed the display. Has she observed it?
Sure! She even has a cameo in Episode 1. Her response was once deeply emotional — looking at the display helped her reconnect together with her previous. It was once an impressive enjoy for either one of us.
Atresplayer has been a house for LGBTQ+ content material, from “Veneno” to “Drag Race España.” How has it been operating with them?
They’ve been extremely supportive. I had whole inventive freedom, and their comments all the time enriched the undertaking. Their dedication to LGBTQ+ storytelling is obvious, and it was once the very best platform for “Mariliendre.”
This interview was once translated from Spanish and edited for readability and period.
