Rodrigo Sorogoyen on Javier Bardem and Shooting ‘The Beloved’ as Full-On Experiment: ‘If This Had Been My First Film, I Wouldn’t Have Taken So Many Risks’
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- The Beloved premiered in Cannes competition on May 16, opening with a 20‑minute restaurant scene shot on the first day of production.
- Rodrigo Sorogoyen directed the opening without any rehearsal between lead actors Javier Bardem and Victoria Luengo, keeping them apart until cameras rolled.
- Javier Bardem delivered seven distinct performances across multiple takes, embodying the film’s experimental spirit.
- Movistar Plus+ funded the project, and Le Pacte’s backing let Sorogoyen blend digital, 35 mm, 16 mm, 8 mm, color, and black‑and‑white formats, shooting the film‑within‑a‑film on Fuerteventura as a stand‑in for 1932 Western Sahara.
- Spanish cinema set a Cannes record in 2025‑26 with more films in competition than any other nation, and Sorogoyen’s prior César win for “The Beasts” cemented his international reputation.
Why it matters: Spanish cinema gains heightened global visibility as Sorogoyen’s daring techniques showcase the country’s creative leadership, while producers and distributors reap Cannes buzz that can translate into sales and festival prestige.
