Spanish cinema adds a new independent project to its upcoming slate. Aarón, the first feature-length fiction film from Cordovan director Miguel Ángel Olivares, has concluded its shoot after eight weeks of work split between Madrid, Malaga, and Gran Canaria, where the final scenes of the film were captured.
The project is significant as it marks Olivares' debut in fiction feature filmmaking and for its commitment to a narrative that moves away from standard commercial formulas, focusing on themes such as addiction, guilt, and second chances.
A production spanning Cordoba, Madrid, and the Canary Islands
The film is produced by Patricia González for Eterno Island Pictures, in co-production with Gadol Producciones. Nacho Guerreros serves as an associate producer, and Canal Sur Televisión is participating in the project. Executive production is handled by Patricia González alongside Hugo Romera.
Filming began on August 6 in Madrid, continued in Malaga, and concluded in Gran Canaria, where the final scenes were recorded this week.
According to producer Patricia González, the team sought from the beginning to move away from more conventional commercial formulas. "For me, the important thing was to be faithful to the story and the characters, and to ensure that the audience could recognize something of their own lives in them," notes González, who defines the film as a story about love, guilt, addiction, and second chances.
González also highlights the involvement of the large supporting cast: "Throughout the entire process, we have worked with more than twenty supporting actors, who have brought a lot of life to the world surrounding the protagonists." The producer acknowledges the risk of independently promoting "a youth drama that has a lot of thriller elements" in an industry that, she claims, usually bets on safer formulas.
Cast led by Fran Berenguer and Bárbara Cuesta
The film stars Fran Berenguer in the role of Aarón, and Bárbara Cuesta as Saray. Viktor Beltrán, in addition to writing his first feature film screenplay with this project, is part of the cast, playing Vidal, the protagonist's best friend.
The cast is rounded out by Eva Isanta, Nacho Guerreros, Antonio Velázquez, Sofía Allepuz, and Marc Parejo. The production also features special collaborations from Daniela Santiago and Charo Reina, as well as appearances by Lorca Prada, Zaira Romero, Hugo Nieto, Mariel Martínez, Xavi Pastor, Rosalía Omil, Rocío Saiz, and Michele De Vincenti, among others.
Technical Team
The technical team for Aarón consists of Andrés González as assistant director, Alexis Benítez as production manager, and Isabel Quijada as head of production. Gustavo Ramírez is in charge of art direction, and David Cortázar is the director of photography.
Lucía Palicio handles the editing, while Miguel Carretero manages direct sound and Marcos Salso handles sound post-production. José Cuesta composes the music, Alberto Dugarte leads makeup and hair, and Raquel Iglesias is the costume designer. Rubén Chavero is responsible for still photography.
The director’s vision
For Miguel Ángel Olivares, wrapping the shoot for his first fiction feature is a particularly significant moment. "Finishing my first fiction feature film after these eight weeks is a mix of emotion, vertigo, and a great deal of satisfaction," the director states.
Olivares explains that although he had a clear initial vision, the film transformed during the process thanks to the work of the actors and the crew. "In the actors, I have always looked for the truth, and I believe that is in the film," he points out.
The director describes Aarón as "a rollercoaster of emotions," with moments that border on delirium but also spaces of light and reflection. His intention, he asserts, is for the audience to be able to recognize themselves in the protagonist's decisions. "Social cinema is what moves me: telling stories that make people uncomfortable, that create debate, and that leave room for reflection," he notes, also highlighting the role of family as a support system in the face of adversity.
What is Aarón about?
The story unfolds on the streets of Malaga, where Aarón's life revolves around cars, family, and an unconditional friendship with Vidal. Everything becomes complicated when Aarón secretly falls in love with Saray, his best friend's sister—a romance he tries to avoid but ultimately cannot control.
Keeping that relationship a secret has consequences. When the risk of the truth coming to light becomes real, a wrong decision triggers a chain of events that will put the protagonists' lives to the test.
Trapped by guilt and the fear of losing everything, Aarón begins a self-destructive journey marked by drugs, in which the boundaries between reality and his own ghosts begin to blur.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Miguel Ángel Olivares?
He is a film director from Cordoba who marks his debut in fiction feature filmmaking with Aarón.
Where was Aarón filmed?
Filming took place in Madrid, Malaga, and Gran Canaria, beginning on August 6 in Madrid and ending this week in the islands.
Who stars in the film?
The lead roles are played by Fran Berenguer as Aarón and Bárbara Cuesta as Saray.
Who wrote the screenplay for Aarón?
The screenplay is the work of Viktor Beltrán, who also participates in the cast as Vidal, the protagonist's best friend.
Which production companies are behind the film?
The production is handled by Patricia González for Eterno Island Pictures, in co-production with Gadol Producciones and with the participation of Canal Sur Televisión.
What is the story of Aarón about?
It tells the life of a young man in Malaga who secretly falls in love with his best friend's sister, which triggers a spiral of lies, guilt, and addiction with serious consequences.
