Exploring the legacy of Eduardo Chillida: A journey through ‘Freedom to Dreams’
A cinematic tribute to a sculptural genius
Latido Films has secured the global sales rights to the documentary “Freedom to Dreams”, which delves into the life and work of Spain’s preeminent modern sculptor, Eduardo Chillida. Directed by the acclaimed filmmaker Arrantxa Aguirre, the documentary is set to make its world premiere at the San Sebastian Film Festival this Sunday.
A seasonal exploration at Chillida-Leku
Filmed across various seasons at Chillida-Leku, the artist’s former home and now a museum, the documentary follows Basque Goya-winning actress Jone Laspiur as she reflects on Chillida’s legacy. Laspiur engages in conversations with those who knew and were inspired by the artist, offering a deeply personal and insightful look into his life and work.
From goalkeeper to sculptor: A unique journey
Before Chillida became a renowned sculptor, he was an elite sportsman, serving as a goalkeeper for Real Sociedad. This role, which requires a keen sense of position and space, seems to have influenced his later work in sculpture. Chillida dedicated his life to exploring the concept of space, both in his art and in his personal philosophy.
The filmmaker’s perspective
Aguirre is acutely aware of the time audiences invest in her films. “They lend me the most valuable thing they have, their time, and I have to fill that time with emotion and meaning so that they will lend it to me again in the next film,” she says. Her approach to capturing Chillida’s sculptures is both reverent and innovative, often framing them statically with the natural sounds of their surroundings.
The art of conversation
In an interview, Aguirre explains her decision to explore Chillida’s legacy through conversations rather than traditional interviews. ”Instead of interviews with the camera, conversations between human beings who have a certain feeling or chemistry between them,” she says. This approach, guided by Laspiur, stitches together various testimonies, giving the film a cohesive and meaningful narrative.
Capturing the essence of Chillida’s work
Aguirre’s stylistic choices in capturing Chillida’s sculptures are guided by a desire to find movement within the shot rather than creating it through camera movement. ”The fact that the sculptures are outdoors in a garden means that they also function as screens reflecting the movement of the leaves of the trees, the insects, or the raindrops that slide across their surface,” she explains. This interplay between nature and art creates a dynamic and visually stunning experience for the viewer.
The discipline of creation
Chillida’s disciplined approach to his work is a central theme in the documentary. Aguirre, however, takes a different approach in her filmmaking. “When you make documentaries, you have to be very open-minded because you’re working in real scenarios and with real people who haven’t learned a text,” she says. This openness allows her to capture genuine moments and reactions, adding depth and authenticity to the film.
The intersection of sport and art
Chillida’s early career as a goalkeeper undoubtedly influenced his sculptural work. “Sculpture is a very physical art, requiring strength, dexterity, endurance, and coordination between the hands and the mind,” Aguirre notes. Chillida’s experience in sports provided him with a unique perspective on space and movement, which he carried into his art.
Embracing slowness in a fast-paced world
In today’s fast-paced world, Chillida’s embrace of slowness offers a valuable lesson. ”Chillida’s is a revolutionary way of relating to time,” Aguirre says. She hopes that viewers of the film will also succumb to the charm of slowness, not only to enjoy the film but to appreciate life in a more fulfilling way.
Celebrating local culture in a globalized world
Chillida’s art is deeply rooted in the Basque region, and Aguirre believes it is essential to celebrate local culture in today’s globalized landscape. “Chillida used the image of the tree ‘with its roots in the earth and its arms open to the world’ to talk about a cosmopolitan that does not deny its origins but knows how to value them,” she says. This intelligent cosmopolitanism is a theme that resonates throughout the documentary.
Discover more
For those interested in exploring more about Eduardo Chillida and the documentary ”Freedom to Dreams,” you can watch the trailer here.
This article aims to provide a comprehensive and personal perspective on the documentary “Freedom to Dreams,” offering insights into the life and work of Eduardo Chillida. By exploring the themes of time, space, and local culture, the film invites viewers to reflect on their own lives and the world around them.