The world premiere of Mark Gill's new film, `Ravens', closed the Official Competition of the Festival de Málaga on Friday 21 March. The film is a Spanish, French, Japanese and Belgian co-production that brings the life of photographer Masahisa Fukase to the big screen.

The actor José Luis Ferrer, together with the producers David Barrera, Johanna Horn, Cyril Cadars and Nitsa Ruiz, and the director of photography, Fernando Ruiz, took part in a press conference to reveal the keys to the feature film after its screening at the Albéniz cinema.

Fukase's work provides the intellectual and emotional inspiration that guided the visual tone of the film. Shot in Tokyo, in the same locations where Fukase spent most of his life, the film is set in the 1970s.

Along with José-Luis Ferrer, actors Tadanobu Asano, Kumi Takiuchi, Sôsuke Ikematsu, Kanji Furutachi and Gô Jibiki complete the cast of this film that represents the personal and raw essence that characterises Fukase's work. The idea came about when director Mark Gill read an article about the artist's work exhibited in France. "It was clear to him that he wanted to tell the world much more about the iconic character," said producer Johanna Horn.
 
During the press conference, producer David Barrera explained that the film tells the story of a human being's quest to achieve success in the world of art, renouncing love and his family and facing various challenges. Barrera emphasised the great effort made by the four countries involved in the co-production "to realistically capture Fukase's arduous struggle to become an artist with a legacy that has influenced so many people in the art world".
 
Ravens' explores love and loss through the life of the Japanese photographer and his tumultuous relationship with his wife, Yoko. Combining surrealism and emotion, the film introduces Tsukuyomi - played by José Luis Ferrer - a disturbing but funny figure who embodies Fukase's inner struggle. Set in post-war Japan, it portrays their love story with raw authenticity, highlighting Fukase's striking imagery and the impact of personal tragedy on his art and dreams.
 
Regarding the acting, Ferrer said that in each scene he felt as if he were working in small plays, as spontaneity was very present in the filming. To immerse himself in his character, he did not need to intellectualise him or make an effort to get to know him, because he felt that he was very well written. "It was a joyful experience and a very visceral work," he said.
 
Last, Ferrer added that he particularly enjoyed playing behind a mask: "I found it a very liberating process that pushed me to forget myself. On the meaning of his character, he insisted that what is interesting is the introspective journey the spectator makes through the metaphorical figure of the raven so that each person can interpret it according to their own vision.
 
On 28 March it will hit theatres in Japan and, according to producer Barrera, it is expected to reach Spanish cinemas by the middle of the year.