Spanish filmmaker talks about poor people in Barcelona

PUNE: Spanish filmmaker David Blanco chose to show the underbelly of Barcelona through the intertwined lives of two homeless individuals in 'La Sombra Del Sol' (The Shadow of the Sun).
"The lives of poor people is something not easily shown in Spanish cinema. But what's also worrisome now, is that filmmaking itself is recession-hit in Spain," said Blanco, who showcased his film at the Pune International Film Festival (PIFF).
"Beggars are the other side of the coin: that which is hidden, a by-product of the splendorous society we live in. We are terrified of disorder, chaos and these unmoored people remind us that if we want to avoid ending up without a penny, without a job, sleeping in the streets, on our own and utterly lost, we must remain tied to the etiquette of society," said Blanco, about his debut film.
An architect-turned-filmmaker, Blanco spent six years putting together 'La Sombre....' "I was living in old part of Barcelona, which has a character of its own. I saw these people living in the streets and I would observe them keenly. I wanted to talk about poor people who don't lose hope despite the situations. The two protagonists perform a spectacular street show. I wanted to use poverty as a metaphor," said Blanco.
Made at a budget of 5,00,00 euros and funded by Spanish Television, the Spanish government and other associations, 'La Sombre....' is a bold statement that subtly negates the stereotypical image of Barcelona.
"Only the bright side Barcelona is shown to the international audience. Europeans are afraid of the situations arising from seeing poor people on the streets. I wanted to talk about this very situation. These people have ended up there after losing jobs, homes and family, or after giving into addictions," Blanco said.
He continues, "Recession has hit the Spanish film industry. Making a film in Spain and receiving government funding for the same, is quite challenging.
Talking about contradictions within your own country is difficult and obviously doesn't garner government support. It is difficult to find money for such projects."
He says film studios have closed down in the past few years, adding, "In the last year, many people have lost jobs and homes. The number of people ending up on Barcelona's streets is increasing, too. I feel the government doesn't do enough to counter this situation."
Blanco is currently hunting for producers for his next film which he hopes to shoot in Tamil Nadu.