A rom-com where a mongoloid main character with a university degree and a Spanish fury court each other – and all done with integrity. A film like this deserves to be championed by the public. The festival surprise Yo, Tambien stands proudly at the top of the favourites list.
This unique public favourite comes from directing duo Antonio Naharro and Álvaro Pastor. The first is also an actor and plays one of the main roles in the film. His colleague Álvaro was relatively unfamiliar with the phenomenon of Down's Syndrome, but Naharro can draw from his own experience: his sister who plays one of the supporting roles, also has it. 'One thing that characterised this film was this great source of inspiration', says Antonio. 'For those that have Down's Syndrome, but also a high level of mental development, expectations are extremely high. It's as if they are trained animals.'
This is really true for Daniel in Yo, Tambien, who has been pushed extremely hard to perform by his mother. That has brought him to where he is today, but also to where he is continually confronted by the fact that he is different; not because he is more intelligent than those around him, but because of his appearance and speech. Most of the time he manages disarmingly to laugh at himself in situations where that happens. 'I'm down from head to toe', he laughs with Laura, who he has his eye on.
Daniel is played by Pablo Pineda who is a phenomenon in Spain. He's the first person with Down's Syndrome in the world to get a university degree. It seems that he's not just a whizz-kid but also a gifted actor. His parents are very happy with the film. 'There are things that came out in the film that had also happened to them, like dealing with being rejected by girls. They can now talk to him more easily about these things. That's precisely what art should be doing.'
His co-director Álvaro adds: 'The way in which those with Down's Syndrome handle life is something I find very beautiful. They remind you of the fact that everyone is unique. For me they answer the existential question: why are we here? If you look at them, then you know the answer: simply to be and to enjoy life. For me that was a real eye opener. I thought: why do I try so hard to do what is expected of me?'
In Yo, Tambien Daniel dreams of having a relationship with his colleague Laura. In their script Naharro and Pastor set the two characters poles apart. She doesn't care what anyone thinks, but can't make any real contact with those around her except Daniel, thanks to his intelligent humour and openness. Unlike other people he doesn't judge her disorderly and destructive night life. Slowly but surely this improbable couple develop a pure, but impossible love. 'I'm very proud that we made this development believable,' says Pastor. And what about the Tiger tattoo that Daniel has on his arm? Is it not a bit of a flamboyant reference to the International Film Festival Rotterdam? 'Ha ha! As if it was predestined to be shown at Rotterdam.' And maybe they will run away with the Audience Award. (WK)
Yo, Tambien – Antonio Naharro and Álvaro Pastor
Thurs 4th 22.45 CI4, Sat 6th 12.00 CI1