Director Jota Linares has finished filming Hestia, his new movie, following a production process that spanned from August to October across various locations in Spain. The project arrives as one of the most anticipated proposals in independent Spanish cinema, as it addresses a historical episode rarely represented in national fiction: the AIDS crisis experienced by the gay community in the late eighties and early nineties.
The relevance of the film lies precisely in its perspective. Far from focusing solely on tragedy, Linares has constructed a narrative that seeks to recover the memory of those who lived through that era through desire, humor, and hope, at a time when Spain was preparing for the major international events of 1992.
A co-production with institutional backing
Hestia is a production by La Filmahora, Towanda Pictures, and Las películas del Apache, with the participation of TVE, Canal Sur TV, and HBO. The project has also received support from the Ministry of Culture of the Regional Government of Andalusia and the Ministry of Culture through the ICAA.
The declared budget for the film amounts to 2.6 million euros. In this regard, the production received one million euros in the second round of general grants from the ICAA for the year 2025, a figure that reflects the institutional weight behind the project.
The theatrical distribution will be handled by Filmax, which expects to release Hestia during 2027.
Filming across Andalusia, Madrid, and the Basque Country
The technical and artistic team traveled to various locations spread across Andalusia, Madrid, and the Basque Country during the months of filming. Jota Linares and David G. Marcelo have served as producers for the film.
In the technical department, Rocío Martín and María José Torres have taken on executive production, while Penélope Cristóbal has worked as assistant director. Carolina Maltese was responsible for cinematography, Vanesa de la Haza led art direction, Antuán Mejías was in charge of sound, and Xavi González handled the editing.
A cast led by Eneko Sagardoy and Milena Smit
Hestia stars Eneko Sagardoy in the role of Miguel, alongside Hugo Welzel, who plays Hugo. The main cast is completed by Alberto San Juan as Paco and Milena Smit as Flor. Also part of the cast are Nicolás Illoro as Aitor and Yune Nogueiras, who brings Begoña to life.
The screenplay was written by Jota Linares himself along with Fer Pérez. Both have explained that, during the research process, they discovered in the survivors of that era an intense desire to live that became the narrative engine of the film. As the director has pointed out, the intention was not to bury the protagonists under the weight of tragedy, but to give them back love, desire, humor, beauty, and a future, even one that many did not get to have.
What is Hestia about?
The plot of Hestia takes place in a very specific historical context: the euphoric prelude to the 92 Expo in Seville and the Barcelona Olympic Games. While the country experiences that moment of collective optimism, several generations of gay men face the devastation caused by AIDS.
The story begins when Miguel, a young man who is starting to die, picks up Hugo on the road, a boy who is starting to live. From that encounter, both travel through a hidden and almost magical Spain, populated by unfinished stories and chosen families.
According to the official synopsis, Hestia is, in essence, a story about care, fear, chosen family, and the need to find a home when living on the margins of society.
The universe of Jota Linares
Jota Linares is known for previous titles such as Las niñas de cristal and Animales sin collar, works in which he already explored sensitive perspectives on complex social realities. With Hestia, the director delves deeper into that narrative line, placing a historically marginalized community in Spanish cinema at the center of the story.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will Hestia be released in theaters?
The film, distributed by Filmax, is scheduled for theatrical release during 2027.
Who directs Hestia?
The direction is by Jota Linares, also known for previous films such as Las niñas de cristal and Animales sin collar.
Who are the protagonists of Hestia?
The cast is led by Eneko Sagardoy, Hugo Welzel, Alberto San Juan, and Milena Smit, along with Nicolás Illoro and Yune Nogueiras.
What is the budget of the film?
Hestia has a declared budget of 2.6 million euros, of which one million euros comes from the 2025 general grants from the ICAA.
What is Hestia about?
The film tells the story of Miguel and Hugo, two young gay men, in the context of the AIDS crisis in Spain in the late eighties and early nineties, just before the 92 Expo and the Barcelona Olympic Games.
Where was the film shot?
Filming took place between August and October in locations across Andalusia, Madrid, and the Basque Country.
