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A film director: Belén Anguas

  • Artistic photography of Belén Anguas.

This director, playwright and screenwriter born in Pilas (Seville), stands out for her prolific career in theatre, film and television.

After moving to Madrid in 1993, she trained in acting, directing and playwriting, and in 2001 founded the cultural association Tilo S-tilo to promote access to the performing arts. She has written and directed plays such as Bailando con locos and El callejón de los gatos, as well as short films such as Te quiero, awarded by the SGAE. She was Lina Morgan's film director in El secreto de la abuela and filmed Política Correcta with prominent actors. Founder of film festivals such as Pilas en Corto, she has received numerous awards, including the Lumier Medal and the Gold Star for professional excellence. An academic of cinematographic arts and ambassador of peace, she combines her artistic passion with social causes, organizing charity galas and promoting equality and education in values.

What motivated your move to Madrid in 1993 and how did it influence the development of your artistic career?

My move to Madrid marked a before and after in my life. Leaving my hometown and arriving in the capital was a personal and professional revolution. From a young age I felt an inclination towards writing, winning my first literary prize when I was only eight years old. Madrid provided me with the perfect environment to develop my artistic vocation and undertake new projects that were previously only dreams.

The capital not only opened the doors to a more complete training in acting, dramaturgy and direction, but also gave me the opportunity to impact the artistic community. I founded the cultural association Tilo S-tilo with the aim of bringing art to less fortunate people. Through this initiative, I performed more than a dozen theatrical productions in Madrid, including my own works such as ¿La familia?... Bien, gracias, La Piedra Mágica and Acampada en la noche de las brujas, along with classics such as Melocotón en Almíbar by Miguel Mihura. This move not only transformed my life, but also my ability to contribute to the artistic world.

Coming from a small town and making a name for yourself in Madrid is no easy task. What do you consider to be the key factors in standing out in such a competitive environment?

The excitement and desire to dedicate myself to the performing arts have always been what has moved me the most. But, without a doubt, meeting people who believed in me was just as important in making my way. When I arrived in Madrid, I was lucky enough to quickly fit into the world of theatre, and that marked the beginning of a stage full of opportunities. Among all those people, meeting Agustín Trialasos was a turning point. For me, he is like a professional father, a mentor who greatly influenced my career.

Agustín opened the doors of "La Peña periodista Media Plana" to me, where I believe I am one of the women who has been participating the longest, and he inspired me with his way of working and his generosity. He always supported my ideas and gave me the confidence to move forward. Thanks to him, I not only learned key tools, but also the value of believing in others and working with passion. Their support left a huge mark on my life, both professionally and personally.

What do you think Spanish cinema needs to achieve success and connect more deeply with the audience?

Spanish cinema lacks a more solid industry and a more defined commercial vision, similar to that of American cinema, which knows how to connect with the masses without losing quality. It is important to create stories that really resonate with the public, that are close and attractive, and not limit ourselves to excessively introspective or niche approaches. Although auteur films are valuable, they should be balanced with more accessible productions that manage to attract a wide audience, thus encouraging attendance at movie theaters and general consumption of Spanish cinema. I also consider it essential to improve the promotion and distribution of our films, so that they can compete in international markets and not be relegated to the local sphere. In short, we need an approach that combines creativity, quality and commercial appeal, allowing our stories to reach further and captivate both national and international viewers.

In which field do you feel most comfortable, behind the camera or in front of a stage?

I feel good anywhere where I can learn and contribute something. Although directing is one of my great passions, I have really enjoyed other projects that have made me feel alive, such as organizing “The Environmental Film Summit” in the Riviera Maya during COP16. It was an incredible experience, or the eight editions of “The Valle de Bravo Film Festival” also in Mexico, which I do not rule out taking up again one day. I also love being involved in the Film Academy and collaborating on things like the “Orange and Lemon Awards.” For me, the important thing is to be on the move, active, and surrounded by this world that I am so passionate about. Whether behind the camera, on stage, or managing cultural projects, each experience makes me grow and fulfills me completely. In the end, what I enjoy most is continuing to learn and doing my bit in everything I do.

Throughout your career, you have received awards such as the Lumier Medal and the Gold Star. What do these recognitions mean to you and how do they encourage you to continue creating?

Receiving awards is always a source of pride, of course, but what really matters to me is that my work connects with people. I always try to make my projects have a social message, but without losing my sense of humor. For example, my latest short, Trabajo a tiempo partcial, which has received several awards, addresses the issue of ageism. The interesting thing is that it does so from a fun perspective, with Charo Reina, Adrián López and Vanessa García Marx bringing the characters to life. It is a way of raising awareness without overwhelming the viewer.

Awards are a nice push, they give you visibility and remind you that you are on the right path, but they are temporary. In the end, what remains are the stories and the impact they generate on those who see them. That is what motivates me to continue creating and looking for new ways to reach the public.

What is the project you dream of doing that you still have pending?

The project I dream of doing is not completely new, but a reinvention of something very special to me: Dancing with Madmen. This play, premiered more than a decade ago, is deeply inspired by the great Lina Morgan, who was not only a reference in my childhood, but also a figure who marked my professional and personal career. Her collaboration in this play was an immense honor, and I feel that it is the ideal time to pay tribute to her worthy of her legacy. With a renewed adaptation of the play very focused on her figure, bringing it back to theaters throughout Spain as a tribute for the tenth anniversary of her departure. More than an artistic project, it would be an act of gratitude and celebration towards a woman who not only conquered the stage, but also the hearts of all of us who had the privilege of knowing her.

Belén Anguas, film director, attends a premiere.

I have to admit that this interview was well planned, because I have a solid friendship with Belén that goes far beyond the professional. But I also have to confess that sitting down to chat in a relaxed atmosphere and thus delving into her professional career has been an experience that goes beyond the great affection we have for each other. If I already admired her, now that admiration is even stronger. She is a real star!