Diego Lerman’s ‘The Man Who Loved UFOs’ takes center stage at San Sebastian Film Festival

A journey into the unknown

Diego ​Lerman returns to the San Sebastian Film⁢ Festival with his seventh ‍and most ‍ambitious film, ⁤ The Man Who Loved UFOs. This dramedy, loosely inspired by real events, is set‍ in the summer of 1986 and follows the story of José de⁣ Zer, ⁣an entertainment journalist in Buenos Aires. One day, José is approached by two mysterious individuals ⁣who invite him to their small town with an unusual proposal.

Intrigued, ​José⁢ and his ⁤loyal⁢ cameraman, ‌Chango, travel to La Candelaria in Córdoba. Upon arrival, they encounter a perfectly round burnt patch ​in the hills, a scene⁢ that defies logic‌ and​ sets the stage for what is considered the most memorable depiction of alien presence in Argentine TV⁢ history. Chango, akin to⁢ Sancho Panza ‌to José’s⁤ Don Quixote, follows him faithfully as they capture increasingly bizarre and contrived scenes for‌ a popular news show.

A blend of humor and unpredictability

Lerman’s film‍ is reminiscent of his earlier ​work, which ⁣often combines humor with unpredictability. Leonardo Sbaraglia,​ known for his ‌roles in Wild Tales and Pain and Glory, plays​ José de Zer, a role⁣ Lerman envisioned for him while writing the screenplay with Adrian Biniez. Sergio Prina, from ⁣ The Snatch Thief, portrays Chango.

The Man Who​ Loved UFOs marks Lerman’s first collaboration with Netflix, produced by his companies Campo Cine and Bicho Films. The project had been shelved⁤ for some time due to its high production costs, involving various locations, numerous extras, and a period setting. Thanks to Netflix’s financing, Lerman was able to bring his vision to life under the right ​conditions, with complete creative‍ freedom and his ⁢trusted crew.

The impact of Argentina’s new policies

The film’s production comes at a critical time for the Argentine film industry, which has been severely affected by new policies ⁤under President‌ Javier Milei. ⁤These policies have devastated the country’s national film-TV institute, INCAA, a vital lifeline for⁢ local filmmakers. Despite these challenges, Lerman⁢ remains ⁣determined to continue‍ making films through platforms, ⁢cooperatives, or independent ‌production. He emphasizes the importance of preserving⁢ national⁣ cinema for society.

Exploring the human dimension

Lerman’s films often ‌delve into the human dimension of a story. In The Man Who Loved UFOs, he explores a character⁣ who begins to lose ⁤his grip on reality, questioning whether what he believes or sees‍ is a⁣ product of ​his ​imagination. The film addresses the creation of fake news and the perception of reality, ⁤blending humor with⁣ a deeper exploration ⁣of these issues. It ⁤portrays a character who is medicated, sees ⁣a psychiatrist, and is emotionally unstable, revealing his vulnerable side.

Looking ahead

Lerman is currently developing two projects, one of which ​he plans to make with Netflix next year. His work continues to focus on the human dimension, exploring characters⁢ and ‌their complex relationships with reality.

The 72nd San Sebastian Film​ Festival takes place from September‌ 20 to 28, showcasing‌ a diverse ⁢range of⁤ films and ‌celebrating the art of cinema.

For more information and to ​watch the trailer, visit The Man Who Loved UFOs.