The filmmaker Javier Ruiz Caldera directs ‘Wolfgang‘, a film shot in Catalan based on the eponymous book by Laia Aguilar, which tells the story of a gifted child with autism spectrum disorder.
«I believe that Catalan can be understood phonetically (without speaking it) and subtitles help. It is very similar,» the filmmaker stated in an interview with Europa Press, referring to Spanish, when asked about how well the original version might be received by audiences outside of Catalonia.
Ruiz Caldera, who will release the film in theaters on Friday, March 14th, defends the original version «of any film and language,» although he clarifies that there will be a Spanish version with the voices of the original cast.
«I always advocate for the original version of any film, in this case the audio in Catalan with subtitles in Spanish. In Catalonia, the Catalan version will be seen and enjoyed 100%, and outside of Spain, those who wish to can also do so,» he noted.
Ruiz Caldera explains that he watches films in their original language because he «likes to hear the voices» of the actors. «It’s normal,» he concludes, alluding to whether the general public is increasingly open to watching Spanish films in co-official languages.
Despite being filmed in Catalan, the filmmaker also praises the «spectacular» dubbing done by actors Miki Esparbé, Jordi Catalán, Anna Castillo, Berto Rodríguez, and Àngels Gonyalons. «It’s a film for all audiences. We put in a lot of effort so that children can watch it dubbed and not have to read subtitles. Although you can choose, which is interesting,» he explains.
Ruiz Caldera highlights the good moment that Catalan cinema is going through, as demonstrated in the last edition of the Goya Awards with ‘El 47’ and ‘Casa en Flames’. «It’s very stimulating to see that films made in Catalan are doing so well at the box office. Audiences are eager to watch films in that language,» he defended.
In this regard, he praises the Catalan industry because «now they are making more open and commercially oriented films» and have moved away from auteur cinema.
«Something is being done right in Catalonia for an industry to be created that until now had very interesting films, but more of an auteur cinema. Now they are making more open and commercially oriented films, which is what a healthy industry should be, with more independent and auteur films, as well as films to attract a wider audience,» he asserts.
MIKI ESPARBÉ: «I HOPE IT IS SEEN IN CATALAN»
The film is starring Miki Esparbé, who in statements to Europa Press, encourages audiences from the rest of Spain to watch ‘Wolfgang’ in Catalan. «I believe that’s where the real work is, the embryo. I hope and wish that this film is seen in Catalan,» he expressed.
The actor trusts that Spanish society will open its doors to co-official languages and accents in cinema. «We have a great tradition of Basque or Catalan films with a long history in theaters and awards,» he pointed out.
Esparbé, who plays Wolfgang’s father (Jordi Catalán), notes that one of the strengths of this comedy is that it touches on «delicate issues» such as autism, grief, or emotional management. «Sometimes we try to shield young children from issues that aren’t even discussed,» he argues.
However, the main theme addressed in the film is how a ten-year-old boy within the autism spectrum feels. «I felt it was important to bring visibility to this disorder because it usually appears in a secondary character,» he emphasizes.
«The film is brave because it dares to put autism at the forefront and address it without any problems, showing that the only way to manage this is with love, patience, tolerance, and listening,» he asserted.
