Italian
A family’s summer unraveling: A deep dive into “Three Summer Days”
A beach vacation with unexpected twists
In the film “Three Summer Days” (“Tres días de verano”), directed by Álvaro López Alba, a seemingly idyllic beach vacation becomes a battleground of emotions and secrets. The story centers on a father and his two children, Cris and Dani, as they navigate personal challenges that threaten to tear their family apart.
Cris and Dani: A tale of young love and isolation
Cris, the young daughter, finds herself entangled in a summer romance that strains her friendship with her best friend, Miri. This budding relationship introduces a wave of jealousy and insecurity, creating a rift that Cris struggles to mend. Meanwhile, her brother Dani, feeling increasingly isolated, retreats into his room, nursing a secret infatuation with Miri. His solitude and unspoken feelings add another layer of complexity to the family dynamics.
A father’s hidden affair
Adding to the tension, their father is embroiled in a clandestine affair, desperately trying to keep it hidden from his children. Over the course of three days, the family’s bonds are tested as they confront their insecurities, jealousy, and hidden truths. The beach, a symbol of relaxation and joy, becomes the backdrop for their emotional turmoil.
The making of “Three Summer Days”
Álvaro López Alba, who began his filmmaking journey just six years ago, draws heavily from personal experiences and his background as a psychologist. His work with youth has provided a rich tapestry of material, influencing his previous short films, “Rosebud,” “La Mancha,” and “Eli.” “Three Summer Days” marks his debut feature film, developed through the Incubator program at the Madrid Film School (ECAM).
A unique narrative structure
The film’s narrative structure is inspired by Akira Kurosawa’s “Rashomon” and Kore-eda Hirokazu’s “Monster.” It revisits the events of a weekend from three different perspectives, creating an everyday thriller that challenges the audience’s prejudices and expectations. This approach reveals a complex familial reality, oscillating between moments of darkness and brightness.
Producer Nuria Muñoz of Nexus CreaFilms, who previously collaborated with López Alba on “Eli,” describes the film as one of “strange atmospheres where cruelty and tenderness always go hand in hand.”
Filming in Murcia: A strategic choice
The production team plans to shoot the film in Murcia, leveraging regional, state, and federal funds. Murcia has recently introduced incentives for non-residents to shoot features or series in the region, in addition to existing support for local filmmakers. This has attracted a growing number of projects, making Murcia an appealing location for filmmakers.
Nexus CreaFilms’ journey
Nexus CreaFilms, co-producing “Three Summer Days” with Sideral Cinema from Madrid, has been actively seeking partners from other territories since the ECAM Forum. Their first feature, “Sorda” (“Deaf”), directed by Eva Libertad, explored themes of motherhood and communication, and benefited from the new shooting incentives in Murcia.
A promising future
As López Alba and his team prepare to bring “Three Summer Days” to life, the film promises to be a poignant exploration of family dynamics, love, and the complexities of human relationships. With its innovative narrative structure and deeply personal storytelling, it is set to captivate audiences and leave a lasting impact.
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