Diego Luna: Indie Films Need Vision, Not Just Big Budgets

Diego Luna is currently promoting his directorial project "Ashes" at the San Sebastián Film Festival. He differentiates the experience of promoting independent films from his work on major Hollywood productions like "Andor." Luna, who starred in the Disney+ "Star Wars" series, stated that the challenges in filmmaking are similar regardless of scale, but a unique point of view defines a project's lasting impact.

He contrasts the broad, generational affection generated by "Star Wars" with the current effort required to bring "Ashes" to audiences. "Ashes," adapted from Brenda Navarro's novel, centers on siblings adjusting to life in Madrid after their mother relocated for work, exploring themes of abandonment and immigration. Luna aims to present a distinct perspective on migration, highlighting what people leave behind.

Discussing the ongoing relevance of films about immigration, Luna noted that migration is a continuous global phenomenon driven by various factors like violence, economic disparity, and climate change. He stressed that the critical issue lies in how societies receive migrants, suggesting transformation is possible through changing hostile encounters into welcoming ones.

Luna also advised aspiring directors to remain authentic to their language, stating that films made in Spanish can achieve global reach without compromising roots. He believes cinema serves as a vital tool for fostering understanding and curiosity about people from different backgrounds, transforming discomfort into empathy and generosity.