The Jaén-born writer Raúl Cueto is experiencing a special moment with the film adaptation of his novel Mandylion, which is being shot in various locations across the province of Jaén. These sites are being transformed into fictional settings, becoming protagonists of the story.

The genesis of Mandylion dates back to 2014, when Cueto, taking advantage of a period with more free time, conceived a historical novel project with thriller elements. What initially began as a police investigation evolved to incorporate the rich history of the Holy Kingdom of Jaén, becoming a work the author describes as “more than a novel, a research work framed within a police plot.”

The choice of Jaén as a backdrop was not accidental. For Cueto, the historical value and beauty of the place make it a privileged setting. This vision is shared by director Luisje Moyano, who, along with the author, considers the city not just a set, but a vital character that articulates the film's plot.

The novel stands out for its complex mix of genres and deep symbolism, where every detail, from the order of chapters to Latin phrases, contains clues for the reader. Despite this complexity, Cueto emphasizes the distinction between police fiction and the rigorous historical research that underpins the work.

The leap to cinema materialized after a call from Luisje Moyano. Cueto actively participated as a screenwriter in the adaptation, a process he describes as a dream come true. Seeing his characters come to life on set is a “surreal” and emotional experience for the writer, who values the casting choices and the professionalism of the team.

Although he acknowledges the differences between literary and cinematic language, Cueto is confident that the film will capture the essence of his work and pay tribute to Jaén. The story, seen through the eyes of the protagonist, police officer Mario Sonseca, seeks to move both those familiar with the province and those discovering it for the first time.