As a movie lover with a deep appreciation for art and a soft spot for documentaries that delve into the lives of artists, “Freedom To Dreams” has piqued my interest immensely. Having spent countless hours engrossed in films that explore the human condition, I can’t help but feel a kinship with Arrantxa Aguirre, who so eloquently captures the essence of Spain’s leading modern sculptor, Eduardo Chillida.
The Spanish production company, Latido Films, has acquired global distribution rights for the documentary titled “Freedom To Dreams” about renowned contemporary sculptor Eduardo Chillida. This film is directed by Arrantxa Aguirre, a well-known Spanish documentarian, and it will have its world premiere at the San Sebastian Film Festival on Sunday.
At the breathtakingly beautiful Chillida-Leku, a place once called home by renowned artist Eduardo Chillida, I immersed myself in a cinematic journey that follows Jone Laspuir, an illustrious Basque actress who won the Goya award. Through this film, she shares her contemplations and converses with those who were inspired and touched by the life and work of the artist.
Before achieving renown as a sculptor, Chillida was a top-tier athlete, serving as a goalkeeper for Real Sociedad. This role demands an understanding of position and space, and it often involves long periods of waiting and observing. Just as Chillida spent a lifetime exploring the essence of filling and connecting with space, and the time required to craft his works, Aguirre understands the importance of the time her audience invests in her films: “They are lending me their most precious asset – their time – and I must fill that time with emotion and significance so they will lend it again for my next film. I hope they choose to visit the theater to see ‘Freedom to Dreams.’ Once inside, I fulfill my part of the agreement.” Aguirre shared this thought with EbMaster.
As a passionate cinephile, I find myself frequently captivated by the art of sculpture in films, particularly when they’re strategically placed amidst serene natural landscapes. The absence of dialogue is filled with the symphony of nature’s sounds, creating an intimate bond between the viewer and the artist’s work. These silent sentinels, like music, can speak to our souls, reminding us of our shared humanity, a connection that can be easily overlooked in our daily routines.
EbMaster interviewed the director prior to the film’s bow:
How did you decide to delve into Chillida’s legacy using individuals who were acquainted with him, with Jone Laspiur serving as our tour guide? What motivated this choice of perspective, and how did it influence the final product of the movie?
Eduardo Chillida was a contemporary artist, not one from long ago. There are still plenty of people who knew him personally, which means we can tap into primary sources. I wanted to make use of this opportunity. Jone’s presence serves two purposes. Firstly, to stimulate conversation, as I believe that discussions between individuals with a certain rapport or emotional connection can be incredibly enriching, rather than interviews conducted solely through a camera lens. Secondly, the persona of Jone acts as a connector for all these testimonies, giving them cohesion and significance. The walks taken by the characters during their conversations in the garden give the film a shape that is more akin to a “path movie,” fitting the leisurely pace of our absent protagonist who is frequently mentioned throughout.
Why did you select various seasons and a static framing style when photographing Chillida’s sculptures, especially at Chillida Leku where they are particularly breathtaking? What factors influenced your approach to capturing his artworks visually?
Movement is at the heart of filmmaking and I’m always on the lookout for it. But I’m usually more excited to find it within the shot than to create it by moving the camera. In this case, 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. If you pay attention, a real ballet unfolds before your eyes, where nature and art interact with each other.
As a fellow cinephile, I’ve always been fascinated by Chillida’s dedication to his craft, strictly adhering to his own set of guidelines, as portrayed in the film. In my own journey as a filmmaker, do I follow comparable rules or creative constraints? Absolutely! Just like Chillida, I find that setting boundaries for myself helps shape my vision and maintain focus on the core elements that make my films unique.
I strongly believe that when producing documentaries, it’s crucial to maintain a flexible and open approach since you’re dealing with authentic situations and real individuals who may not follow a script. The outcome can be unpredictable – what they might say, how they’ll react, or what unexpected events might occur. Therefore, it’s essential to stay attentive and prepared to adapt your plan swiftly. You never know when or how the crucial moment will present itself.
Did Chillida’s early career as a goalkeeper for Real Sociedad, an unusual blend of sports and arts, perhaps play a role in shaping his artistic style through the application of his athletic abilities, such as his perception of time and space, to his sculptural works?
Without a shadow of a doubt, there are two compelling reasons for this. Firstly, every action you delve into will ultimately benefit your future. Secondly, sculpture, being a highly tactile art form, demands physical prowess such as strength, agility, stamina, and a harmonious connection between the hand and mind. In this respect, Chillida’s background as a goalkeeper provided him with a significant edge. He often emphasized that a goalkeeper’s duty is to safeguard the three-dimensional space of the goal, a responsibility that mirrors his role as a sculptor.
In our busy modern times, many of us find ourselves battling against time. On the other hand, Chillida chose to slow down in order to discover what truly mattered. Can you share what insights about time you gained while making this film, and is there a lesson we can all apply from Chillida’s method?
I think Chillida’s approach to time was groundbreaking, and nowadays, there’s a growing appreciation for slow living. In that regard, Chillida seems to have been visionary, and his ideas are worth exploring. On a personal level, I find a tranquil pace in Chillida’s writings and art that I hope viewers of the film will also appreciate. This slower pace isn’t just about enjoying the movie, but about experiencing life in a more enriching way, according to my perspective.
In an increasingly uniform world, I find Chillida’s art deeply rooted in the Basque region, making it a crucial part of my personal connection with his work. What significance does preserving and highlighting local culture have in this context, particularly in today’s globally interconnected society?
In Greek mythology, there was a colossal figure named Antaeus who would lose his power whenever he was lifted off the ground. This story serves as a reminder of how crucial it is for us to remain mindful of our roots, or else we may find ourselves losing our strength entirely. Sculptor Chillida described the concept of a cosmopolitan not only open to the world but also deeply connected to their origins, using the metaphor of a tree with its roots firmly planted in the earth and branches reaching out to the world above. This is a person who values their heritage while being adaptable and intelligent on the global stage.
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2024-09-22 23:17