Juan José Campanella Premieres Parque Lezama in Theaters: His Relationship with Netflix and Why It's a Secret Who Voices Mafalda
Filmmaker Juan José Campanella discusses his new movie Parque Lezama, his career challenges, and his thoughts on the character Mafalda.
Juan José Campanella, acclaimed Argentine filmmaker, is set to release his new film Parque Lezama, marking a significant return to Argentina after years of focusing on projects in the United States. Campanella, known for winning an Oscar for El secreto de sus ojos, has faced challenges such as financing issues and declining cinema audiences that initially led him to question his filmmaking direction. The film, based on a play of the same name, features prominent actors Luis Brandoni and Eduardo Blanco, yet Campanella's personal connection also extends to his childhood memories surrounding the creation of Mafalda, the beloved comic character.
In his conversation, Campanella reveals that he has been navigating a cold New York winter while directing a new series, demonstrating his commitment to balancing work across different mediums and markets. His return to Argentine cinema with Parque Lezama is seen as a hopeful shift, not only for his career but also for the local film industry. Furthermore, he shares insights about the cultural significance of Mafalda in Argentina, and why there is a layer of secrecy around who lends their voice to this iconic character in the upcoming adaptation, highlighting the intersection of personal and cultural nostalgia.
With Parque Lezama, Campanella aims to reinvigorate his connection with Argentine audiences and address broader themes that resonate both locally and internationally. As he intertwines his professional struggles with nostalgic references to Mafalda, Campanella underscores the importance of cultural storytelling and its impact on identity, making this release not just a movie premiere but a cultural event with deeper implications for Argentina's artistic landscape.