Bandera's path from Malaga to Sundance
by Vitor Pinto
The second feature film by actor-turned-director Antonio Banderas, El Camino de los Ingleses [+see also:
trailer
film profile] (lit. "The Path of the English"), has been chosen to screen in the Premieres section of the upcoming Sundance Film Festival (January 18 – 28, 2007).
After a mixed reception from critics last week in Spain, the film will now be part of the world's most prestigious showcase of independent film, although some in Spain have not hidden their surprise over the fact that Banderas' high-budget second film has been labelled as independent.
Based on the homonymous novel by Antonio Soler, the film stars some emerging acting talent such as Alberto Amarilla, María Ruiz and Mario Casas, along with established actors such as Banderas' Tie Me Up! Tie me down partner Victoria Abril and veteran Juan Diego. Banderas' US company Green Moon produced the film, together with Madrid-based Sogecine and the UK's Future Films.
The film also benefited from the support of the city council funds of Banderas' home town, Malaga, as part of a plan elaborated with the Andalucia Film Commission to promote the region as a privileged filming location. Sogepaq handled local distribution, with the most American of the Spanish actors participating in a large promotional campaign, which included several interviews with local TV channels and newspapers.
The film marks Banderas’ return to Spanish cinema, this time behind the camera, after over 10 years in the US, where he directed his first feature film Crazy in Alabama (1999), which starred his wife Melanie Griffith.
Did you enjoy reading this article? Please subscribe to our newsletter to receive more stories like this directly in your inbox.
