Spanish fantasy cinema adds a new title shot entirely in the Balearic Islands. Render, the fourth film directed by Mallorcan filmmaker Toni Bestard, has concluded its shoot in natural locations across Mallorca and Menorca, a project that combines local talent with renowned figures of Spanish cinema such as Nacho Vigalondo and Javier Gurruchaga.
The production is notable for being Bestard's foray into the fantasy genre, a field he had previously only explored in short film format, and for marking Gurruchaga's return to the big screen, coinciding with the fiftieth anniversary of La Orquesta Mondragón.
A production with Balearic institutional support
Render is produced by Bestard Films, Auca Films, IX el Sol, and Northeastern Wild Heart, with the participation of IB3 Televisió. The project also receives collaboration from the ICIB, the IEB, the Consell de Mallorca, Foment del Turisme de Menorca, the Calvià City Council, and the Alcúdia City Council.
This institutional backing reinforces the Balearic Islands' commitment to establishing itself as a filming set for auteur cinema productions, leveraging both its natural landscapes and local audiovisual talent.
Toni Bestard’s fourth feature film
With Render, Toni Bestard signs his fourth work as a feature film director, following El perfecto desconocido (2012), I Am Your Father (2015), and Pullman (2020). The new film thematically approaches the universe the filmmaker had already explored in his short films Foley Artist (2013) and Background (2017), where he addressed cinema within cinema through romantic comedy.
On this occasion, Bestard takes a turn toward fantasy cinema, though he maintains his auteur perspective, deliberately moving away from the usual tropes of the genre.
What is Render about?
The film tells the story of Pol Molina, played by Nacho Vigalondo, a film editor who agrees to edit the new work of Samuel Brondo, a cursed director played by Javier Gurruchaga, who seeks to complete what he considers his definitive masterpiece.
During the process, Pol discovers an unsettling reality: every decision he makes in the film's editing has direct consequences on the lives of his neighbors, the people living across from his house. From that discovery, the protagonist faces a moral dilemma between pursuing artistic excellence or protecting the lives of innocent people.
A cast led by Nacho Vigalondo and Javier Gurruchaga
The cast of Render is led by Nacho Vigalondo and Javier Gurruchaga, accompanied by Alba Iturrioz, Dina Rosenmeier, Xisco Segura, Aina Zuazaga, Neus Cortés, Xen Garcinuño, and Eric Francés.
Gurruchaga's return to cinema takes on special significance as it coincides with the celebration of the fiftieth anniversary of La Orquesta Mondragón, the band he founded that marked an era in Spanish popular music.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who directs Render?
The film is written and directed by Toni Bestard, a Mallorcan filmmaker also responsible for El perfecto desconocido, I Am Your Father, and Pullman.
Where was Render filmed?
Filming took place in natural locations in Mallorca and Menorca, with the collaboration of various city councils and organizations from the Balearic Islands.
Who stars in the film?
The cast is led by Nacho Vigalondo and Javier Gurruchaga, along with Alba Iturrioz, Dina Rosenmeier, Xisco Segura, Aina Zuazaga, Neus Cortés, Xen Garcinuño, and Eric Francés.
What is Render about?
It tells the story of a film editor who discovers that his editing decisions on a cursed director's new film directly affect the lives of his neighbors, forcing him to face a dilemma between art and human life.
Which production companies are behind Render?
The film is produced by Bestard Films, Auca Films, IX el Sol, and Northeastern Wild Heart, with the participation of IB3 Televisió.
Why is Javier Gurruchaga’s return to cinema relevant?
His participation in Render coincides with the celebration of the fiftieth anniversary of La Orquesta Mondragón, the band he founded that had a major impact on the Spanish music scene.
