Jonás Trueba’s ‘The Other Way Around’ Wins Best European Film Prize at Directors’ Fortnight

“The Other Way Around” from Spanish director Jonás Trueba has won the Europa Cinemas Label for best European film in the Directors’ Fortnight section at this year’s Cannes Film Festival.

The film turns on Ale (Itsaso Arana – who co-wrote the screenplay with Trueba) and Alex (Vito Sanz), who have been together for 15 years. Now, though, the duo is ready to split, but not without throwing a hell of a fiesta to celebrate their time together.

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“The idea of a ‘separation party’ can be scary, but I just kept hearing about it,” Trueba told Variety in a recent interview. “I even suggested it to a friend of mine, but every time, people’s faces just drop. You can see fear creeping in. It’s crazy and silly, and at the same time, it could be something beautiful. It’s a great idea for a film, if not for real life.”

This year’s Directors’ Fortnight jury, headed by Canadian actor Xavier Dolan, explained their admiration for the film in a statement that reads: “Jonás Trueba’s well-crafted and nuanced film has an unusual premise – it tells the story of a couple who embrace a novel ritual. Prior to their separation, they elect to celebrate their 15-year relationship with a party. Humorous and cleverly written, the film’s circular structure manifests generosity of spirit in its inspiring look at human relationships. It is a pleasing beacon of positivity and one which we feel will appeal to audiences around Europe.”

“The Other Way Around” is produced by Trueba’s label Los Ilusos Films and co-produced by France’s Les Films du Worso. Sales are handled by Memento International.

Trueba comes from a storied filmmaking family. His father is Fernando Trueba, who co-wrote and directed the Oscar-winning feature “Belle Epoque” and co-directed the Oscar-nominated animated feature “Chico & Rita,” which was produced by Jonas’ mother, Cristina Huete. The younger Trueba has paved his own way as a celebrated filmmaker with recent festival darlings such as 2019 Karlovy Vary FIPRESCI winner “The August Virgin” and “Quién lo Impide,” which won three prizes at San Sebastian in 2021.

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