Jone, batzuetan (Sometimes, Jone): A Coming-of-Age Journey
1. Introduction and Premiere
Sara Fantova’s debut feature film, Jone, batzuetan (Sometimes, Jone), made its world premiere at the Malaga Film Festival on March 15, competing for the top prize in the official competition. This coming-of-age story, set in Bilbao, Basque Country, is a deeply personal yet fictional narrative inspired by the diaries of Fantova’s father, which he gifted her. While not based on real events, the film draws from the emotions and themes found in those diaries, with voice-over narrations by Jone’s father serving as a lingering element of that inspiration.
2. Creative Process and Themes
The screenplay, co-written by Fantova, Nuria Martín, and Núria Dunjó, captures a pivotal moment in Jone’s life as she transitions from adolescence to adulthood. Set against the vibrant backdrop of Bilbao’s Aste Nagusia celebrations, the film juxtaposes the joy of first love with the challenges of dealing with her father’s worsening Parkinson’s disease. Fantova emphasizes that the story is fictional, yet it explores universal themes: the balance between light and darkness, and the acceptance of life’s pain and illness alongside first love.
3. Casting Challenges and Lead Actress
One of the most significant challenges for Fantova was finding the perfect actress to portray Jone. She and casting director Amets Zulueta auditioned numerous candidates, including professionals, students, and newcomers, before discovering Olaia Aguayo. Aguayo, a friend of Zulueta, auditioned and quickly became the embodiment of Jone, capturing the essence of the character in her second audition. This casting choice was crucial in bringing depth and authenticity to the film.
4. Sara Fantova’s Background and Production
Sara Fantova, born in Bilbao and an alumnus of Barcelona’s Escac film school, began her filmmaking journey with the short film No me despertéis (Don’t Wake Me Up), which premiered at Valladolid’s Seminci Film Festival and screened at Rotterdam. She also directed episodes of the Catalan TV series This Is Not Sweden, showcasing her emerging talent. Jone, batzuetan is produced by Amania Films and Escac Estudios, both known for nurturing new talent and producing compelling coming-of-age stories. The film’s development involved several workshops and programs, including Malaga’s Mafiz WIP and Noka Mentoring.
5. Financing and Production Journey
Securing financing was one of the most daunting challenges for Fantova. The film was made with a unique approach, as it was financed after shooting, which made the creative process more flexible but also required patience and persistence. Despite the long and complex journey, Fantova cherishes the experience of sharing every stage of production with friends and collaborators, making it a deeply personal and enriching project.
6. Conclusion
Jone, batzuetan is a heartfelt and poignant coming-of-age story that weaves together themes of love, loss, and self-discovery. With its rich narrative, personal inspiration, and strong performances, the film marks an impressive debut for Sara Fantova, positioning her as a promising new voice in Basque and Catalan cinema. The film’s premiere at Malaga Film Festival is a testament to its potential for resonance with audiences and critics alike.
