Jorge Cantos’ ECAM-Aided ‘The Wanderers’ Blends Social Realism and Magic in Journey Through Spain

As a longtime follower of the European film scene and having had the pleasure of witnessing numerous projects come to fruition, I find myself eagerly anticipating Jorge Cantos’ “The Wanderers” (Los olvidados). The unique blend of political and emotional themes, combined with a touch of mysticism, promises an engaging cinematic experience that transcends typical narratives.


Madrid’s ECAM Incubator consistently nurtures budding talent, and Jorge Cantos’ work, titled “The Wanderers” or “The Forgotten Ones,” is definitely worth keeping an eye on.

This film, titled “Álvaro’s Rest,” was crafted jointly by Entre las piedras and Mammut, under the supervision of Eva Bodas, Álvaro Díaz Calvo, Sara de la Fuente, and Alberto Tortes. The movie delves into profound political and emotional topics with a hint of the enigmatic.

As a passionate cinephile, I can’t help but share my excitement about an upcoming film that follows me on an emotional journey through the eyes of Hamza, a young boy with extraordinary abilities who is traveling alone to France. Accompanying him is Lucero, his dedicated social worker, as they traverse the picturesque landscapes of rural Spain. This heartfelt tale will delve into Hamza’s hidden past traumas and explore the delicate line between love and identity. The filming is tentatively scheduled for late 2025 or early 2026, with the team actively seeking extra funding and solidifying international collaborations to bring this powerful story to life on the silver screen.

In a blend of intimacy and ambition, Cantos has fashioned a story that revolves around the concept of love, particularly its boundaries. As he put it, “The heart of the film lies in love, or what we refer to as love’s limitations.” He continued, “It delves into what one is prepared to do solely for the sake of the person they adore, due to their need. Each character bears these scars—scars of childhood, development, and self-discovery.” The film subtly infuses elements of magical realism through the talents of Hamza. Cantos further clarified, “The magic isn’t spectacle; it’s more about sensory experiences connected to the characters’ emotions.

Eva Bodas, who’s been recognized as a producer worth keeping an eye on in EbMaster, underscored the deeply personal aspect of the film. “We aimed to transcend the usual depiction of unaccompanied minors,” she explained. “Hamza is a character brimming with magic, hope, light, and untapped potential. His journey mirrors the emotional hardships experienced by many, providing a fresh viewpoint.

Following our involvement in prominent film development initiatives like The Film Academy Residency, The Incubator, and FocusCOPRO at Cannes Film Festival, we’re preparing to attend the EAVE Marketing Workshop in Luxembourg this November. Our immediate plans involve finding French co-production partners that resonate with the movie’s storyline and pitching our project to Spanish broadcasters such as RTVE.

One aspect, potentially attractive to partners, is its social relevance. “Hamza’s story is, in many ways, a reflection of the current political climate in Europe,” Cantos said. “The portrayal of unaccompanied minors in the media is often negative—they’re seen as threats, burdens, or criminals. We wanted to challenge that narrative and show a different side. Hamza is full of hope, light, and the capacity to heal others, especially Lucero. It’s a reciprocal relationship where both characters find something they need in each other.”

Notably, “The Wanderers” is distinctive due to its unique structure, split into three distinct acts. Each act offers a personal emotional journey from one of the three principal characters – Hamza, Lucero, and Lucero’s boyfriend Diego. As the narrative unfolds, we switch viewpoints, providing a deeper connection with each character according to Cantos.

As a film enthusiast, I’m eager to create cinema with a hint of enchantment, blending reality and fantasy. I aim to craft an intensely emotional narrative that explores themes of love, family, and the trials endured by young, unaccompanied individuals in their journeys.

The Wanderers”, with its unique mix of realistic societal portrayals, subtle magical elements, and intense emotional character interactions, sets a strong foundation for fulfilling such aspirations.

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2024-10-07 20:16