Rotterdam 2012: Interview with Filmmaker Gabriel Velázquez (Iceberg)

Four stories connected by Salamanca’s River Tormes is the basis and backdrop for Gabriel Velázquez’s feature debut. An official selection at the 2012 edition of the International Film Festival Rotterdam, Iceberg features a foursome of adolescents, Rebeca, Mauri, Jota and Simón who are all navigating through a critical moment in their lives. A profound portrait where memories and loneliness are intertwined, where emotions are worn on their sleeves, and where the truth is deep and hurtful but are not always obvious. Here’s my interview with the filmmaker.

Anny Gomes: In Iceberg there are no adults, the whole cast are in their mid-teens and their parents appear to not be a part of their lives. The four characters go on a journey where they are transitioning from being “kids” to teenagers, however, they manage to keep growing and struggling through the process. Even though they are so young, they are experiencing hard times in their lives. Is any part of the story inspired by true events?
Gabriel Velázquez: The film is inspired in the memories of my childhood in Salamanca, where I was born. The story of the boy is inspired in my own life. I wanted to tell the story of my town, my river, my memories… and all should be filled with my emotions and my heart. In reality, these are short stories and fears that we all might have felt at some point … each in its intensity … and the way to tell the story is what makes it special, at least for the audience that is looking for a fresh look on things.

Gomes: Your previous works ‘Soldatitos de Latón’ and ‘Amateurs’ focus on youth, their experiences and how they cope with life. In Iceberg, you tackle the same subject, events that mark a new beginning in these kids’ lives. Why did you choose to focus on youth and turn of events?
Velázquez: Childhood and youth fascinates me. Seeing a kid or adolescent takes me to my best memories and this beautiful feeling fulfills me. In fact, my next film will be based on teens between the ages of 15 – 18. Right now that is what excites me the most, to tell periods of my life and memories.

Gomes: The cast performances are very solid. Even though the cast do not interact much, they seem to be in harmony even though the characters are completely different from one another. Along with the regular casting, I am aware you used social media to find new faces for your movie. How was this process and how did you manage to find such a nice cast?
Velázquez: Salamanca is a small town. At first, I did not know how the casting would work in this environment. That is why we decided to open the casting process to all Spain through social media. However, as we went through each town and every school in my province, we saw that casting in Salamanca would be more than enough. I changed the script based on what the kids were giving me on the spot; I liked the fact that they were their characters and not only actors. Their physique was what I wanted, and it worked well in front of the camera.

Gomes: The character’s hard times are their iceberg. What was the hardest part of making this film a reality?
Velázquez: The iceberg is unseen; it is what is hurting inside, what is underneath. The pain is what makes you grow, mature and get older. The editing process was the hardest part, no doubt. It has been one entire year combining the stories, changing the score … and finding myself in the process. Even though we shot for three weeks only, we had a lot of material and to put it together in order to find the “essence” of my emotions has been really complicated. A team of 6 people have been editing it nonstop.

Gomes: The River Tormes is the most important character in the film. The music, as well, sets perfectly the mood of their stories and how they are trying to overcome in this beautiful scenery. How do you feel to have your film representing Spain at Rotterdam Festival?
Velázquez: To be in Rotterdam is a dream come true. More than having my film selected in one of the most important film festivals in the world, I believe it is a personal prize. To have this personal and intimate film so filled with “me” be nominated and also, to be standing next to filmmakers like Kaurismaki makes me very happy. After being at the Gijón International Film Festival and to win the Special Mention of the Jury Award, I was very pleased but now with Rotterdam, I am thrilled!

Gomes: What is your next project?
Velázquez: I have three projects. One is Folk, about the folklore of Salamanca through the eyes of a child. The other two projects will be based on adolescence. It will be a sequel of the oldest characters in Iceberg (Jota and Simon), to go into their lives and explore their wilder and personal side … what the young adults these days feel now that the economy in Spain has been suffering.

Iceberg was part of the Rotterdam’s International premieres in the Spectrum section. Here is the trailer.