Daniel Guzmán opened the Official Selection of the Festival de Málaga this Friday with his latest feature film, 'La deuda', which reflects on the housing crisis and the consequences of the rise of vulture funds and gentrification.  It is a social drama in the form of a thriller that addresses topical issues through a critical and realistic reflection.
 
"I would like all politicians to be able to see 'La Deuda' during the recess of a control session in the Congress of Deputies so that it can help them to improve people's lives," he said at a press conference after the screening of his film.
 
Guzmán also produces, writes and stars in his own feature film. He is accompanied on screen by Rosario García, who makes her debut as an actress. Both play the main characters: Lucas, 47, and Antonia, an elderly woman forced to leave her home due to the inevitable gentrification of her central Madrid neighbourhood. Itziar Ituño, Susana Abaitua, Francesc Garrido and Luis Tosar complete the cast.
 
The script is about people who try to survive from day to day with dignity and without losing hope, despite being immersed in a myriad of adversities. In this respect, the actress Susana Abaitua unravelled some of the keys to her character, whom she describes "as a person of pure truth who represents the light in the midst of darkness in a very natural way and without falling into clichés". In short, "an honest aunt, who decides to help because she is able to understand what’s in front of her", she stressed.
 
On the other hand, the filmmaker pointed out that the film has many layers. "It speaks of the vital need to seek affection as a reason for living". Empathy, second chances and the importance of understanding one's circumstances in order not to judge people are just some of the themes that surround "this love story" - as Guzmán has defined it - which invites us to reflect "without falling into dogmas or propaganda".
 
The winner of the Biznaga de Oro for his debut film `A cambio de nada` portrays the lives of real characters with real problems, such as poverty, loneliness, fear of death, being uprooted and emotional relationships. The film also tackles topical issues - such as the gentrification of big cities and evictions - with a critical eye. And it also rebels against meritocracy, the preconceived message that people can become whatever they want regardless of their personal circumstances.
 
During his intervention, Guzmán said that he sees film as a necessary tool, which has the educational and social power to question a model and to make you rethink many things. Luis Tosar - who is also part of the cast - highlighted Guzmán's obsession with living things and for things to happen as they flow, in a very organic way. Both Tosar and Itziar Ituño recognised "that the fact that the director is also an actor makes everything easier because it paves the way for you".
 
Lucas, a 47-year-old guy, and Antonia, an elderly woman, live together in a flat in the city centre. Their life goes on as normal until the process of gentrification forces them to leave their homes. However, a decision made by Lucas will change the rest of their lives. Filming took place over ten weeks in the centre of Madrid and in Andalusia.
 
The film is produced by El Niño Producciones, Aquí y Allí Films and La Mirada Oblicua with the participation of RTVE, Movistar Plus +, Canal Sur and Telemadrid.