Ian de la Rosa, hailing from Granada, is the only Spanish filmmaker participating in the Berlinale, where he is showcasing his debut feature film ‘Iván & Hadoum.’ The film explores the intimate relationship between a transgender boy and a Hispanic-Moroccan girl set in the picturesque backdrop of Almería's countryside. De la Rosa reflects on his childhood, recalling how watching The Godfather trilogy with his father sparked a passion for cinema that would later define his career.

In his interview, de la Rosa emphasizes the importance of portraying trans lives with nuance, stating, "I need to see films where being trans is not a conflict." This sentiment underscores a growing recognition of the need for diverse narratives in cinema that celebrate rather than stigmatize LGBTQ+ identities. As his film progresses through prestigious film circuits, including the Berlinale and the Málaga Film Festival, it represents a milestone not just for him, but for the Spanish film community as well.

De la Rosa’s journey from aspiring doctor to filmmaker is a testament to the power of following one's passion, and as he prepares for his film's commercial release on June 19, his work promises to pave the way for more inclusive storytelling in Spanish cinema. The buzz surrounding ‘Iván & Hadoum’ indicates a shift in audience expectations and highlights the need for complex, relatable representations of underrepresented communities in media.