20/04/2009

Spanish literature’s Golden Age is to be brought to life again in Brazilian director Andrucha Waddington’s biopic of writer Félix Lope de Vega, one of the most significant figures in Spain’s literary history.

Shooting on the film – to be entitled Lope – will begin on April 23 and last until July in locations in Madrid and on Morocco’s Atlantic coast. Production is being handled by three Spanish companies (Antena 3 Films, El Toro Pictures and Ikiru Films) and Brazil’s Conspiraçao Filmes.

Co-written by Jordi Gasull and Ignacio del Moral, Lope will focus on the early years of the poet and dramatist, whose prolific career encompassed both poetry and prose. With several hundred plays to his name, drama nonetheless remained his speciality.

The writer’s fascinating life is, as Waddington commented, so “remarkable that it seems imaginary”.

Alberto Amman will star as the protagonist, alongside Leonor Watling, Pilar López de Ayala, Juan Diego, Luis Tosar, Antonio de la Torre, Sonia Braga, Jordi Dauder and Ramón Pujol.

The film’s team reflects its status as an international co-production and comprises professionals from both sides of the Atlantic, including DoP Ricardo della Rosa, production manager Toni Novella, art director César Macarrón and costume designer Tatiana Hernández. Producers include Mercedes Gamero, Edmon Roch, Gasull and Waddington.

(Translated from Spanish)