“The Other Way Around”fromSpanish director Jonás Trueba has won the Europa Cinemas Label for best European film in the Directors’ Fortnight section at this year’s Cannes Film Festival.
The film turns on Ale (Itsaso Arana – who co-wrote the screenplay with Trueba) and Alex (Vito Sanz), who have been together for 15 years. Now, though, the duo is ready to split, but not without throwing a hell of a fiesta to celebrate their time together.
“The idea of a ‘separation party’ can be scary, but I just kept hearing about it,” Trueba toldPvNewin a recent interview.“I even suggested it to a friendof mine, but every time, people’s faces just drop.You can see fear creeping in. It’scrazyand silly, and at the same time, it could be something beautiful. It’s a great idea for a film, if not for real life.”
This year’s Directors’ Fortnight jury, headed by Canadian actor Xavier Dolan, explained their admiration for the film in a statement that reads: “Jonás Trueba’s well-crafted and nuanced film has an unusual premise – it tells the story of a couple who embrace a novel ritual.Prior totheir separation, they elect to celebrate their 15-year relationship with a party. Humorous and cleverly written, the film’s circular structure manifests generosity of spirit in its inspiring look at human relationships.It is a pleasing beacon ofpositivityand onewhich we feel will appeal toaudiences around Europe.”
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“The Other Way Around” is produced by Trueba’s label Los Ilusos Films and co-produced by France’s Les Films du Worso.Sales are handled by Memento International.
Trueba comes from a storied filmmaking family. His father is Fernando Trueba, who co-wrote and directed the Oscar-winning feature “Belle Epoque” and co-directed the Oscar-nominated animated feature “Chico & Rita,” which was produced by Jonas’ mother, Cristina Huete. The younger Trueba has paved hisownway as a celebrated filmmaker with recent festival darlings such as 2019 Karlovy Vary FIPRESCI winner “The August Virgin”and “Quién lo Impide,” which won three prizes at San Sebastian in 2021.
