21/10/2022 - The Spanish filmmaker is working on a social thriller that relates the hell experienced by those who try to jump the fence separating the African continent from the European continent

Director Benito Zambrano and actors Moussa Sylla and Edith Martínez during the shoot of El salto (© Diego López Calvin)

Spanish director Benito Zambrano (winner of two Goyas for Solas, selected in the Un Certain Regard at Cannes with Habana Blues [+see also:
trailer
film profile], and also director of The Sleeping Voice [+see also:
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trailer
film profile], Out in the Open [+see also:
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interview: Benito Zambrano
film profile] and Lemon and Poppy Seed Cake [+see also:
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interview: Benito Zambrano
film profile]) is back behind the camera with El salto [+see also:
film review
trailer
film profile], a story that condemns the experience of sub-Saharan migrants, not only in their journey to cross into Europe, but also in their struggle to achieve a dignified life once they get to Spain.

Starring Moussa Sylla (who appeared in the series Lupin, Plus belle la vie and Un si grand soleil), Edith Martínez (the series Dos vidas), Nansi Nsue (Lemon and Poppy Seed Cake), and supported by Mariola Fuentes, Paz Sayago, Vicenta Ndongo, Vicky Peña, Norberto Trujillo and Eric Nantchouang. The film is currently being shot in and around Madrid and on the island of Tenerife.

The script is written by Flora González (whose work includes the series Los hombres de Paco, Ana y los siete and Cable Girls) together with the filmmaker himself, who states that "El salto, unfortunately, comes at a time when current international events once again reaffirm that we live in a world where everything interacts with each other. Poverty caused by forced migration and the consequence of war is becoming increasingly globalised. The film shows us the tragedy of those who flee becoming refugees in need of help and asylum."

The story introduces Ibrahim (played by Moussa Sylla), who arrived in Spain a few years ago from Guinea but now his roots are in Madrid, where he lives with Mariama (Nansi Nsue), and he works as a bricklayer. One day he is arrested by the police and, as he does not have a residence permit, so he is deported to his home country. From then on, his only goal is to return to Spain to be reunited with his partner and a daughter who is soon to be born. After making it across Africa, the man stays with some fellow travellers on Mount Gurugú, a migrant camp that separates Africa from Europe. In Nador he meets Aminata (Edith Martínez), a girl determined to jump the fence and reach Spain, but this physical feat is not possible for everyone: many never make it, others die in the attempt and only one woman has succeeded to date.

El salto is a film produced by Jesús Ulled Nadal for Cine365 Films Producciones Cinematográficas y Virtual Contenidos, and by Carlos Fernández and Laura Fernández Brites for Castelao Pictures (Filmax), in co-production with Jérôme Vidal, of Noodles Productions (France). With the collaboration of ICAA – Ministry of Culture and Sport, Orange, Movistar Plus+, RTVE and Canal Sur. Filmax will manage the distribution of the film in Spanish cinemas.

(Translated from Spanish by Vicky York)