Sevillian filmmaker Alberto Rodríguez (1971), known for works such as Grupo 7, La isla mínima, Modelo 77, and series like La peste, admits his skills as a footballer are limited despite weekly efforts to improve. However, he is recognized as a leading film director, holding three Goya awards that, he confesses, are kept safe by his mother.
Rodríguez, a graduate from the first class of Image and Sound at the University of Seville, emphasizes the importance of his university friends, with whom he still collaborates. Despite economic crises, he has chosen to remain in Andalusia, seeking a tranquil life over the "enigma" of moving to Madrid or London.
The director describes the Andalusian film sector as "somewhat better" than when he started, expressing "moderate optimism." He recalls that in his early days, an Andalusian film was produced "every many years," a stark contrast to the current situation.
Despite his professional success, which includes the Medal of Andalusia and the SGAE Medal of Honor, Rodríguez admits he "knows nothing about football" although he declares himself "a big fan of Betis." He prefers to play "a casual game" with his regular group of friends for the past 20 years. He also confesses his favorite English team is the modest Leyton Orient, whom he discovered while filming his first movie in London.
Regarding the recurring number 7 in titles like 7 vírgenes, Grupo 7, and Modelo 77, he explains it was a mix of coincidence and thematic choice. The year 1977, pivotal for Modelo 77, marked a turning point.
Rodríguez defines himself as "an inward-looking Andalusian who doesn't fit the stereotype," distancing himself from certain cultural clichés. Although he lacks religious faith, he shows ethnographic interest in Holy Week. Unlike some "intellectuals," he does possess a driver's license, obtained "on the last day" at age 24.
The director admires films like Blade runner and Vértigo, which he has seen "12 to 14 times." Concerning past Spanish cinema, such as that of Alfredo Landa, he acknowledges its value as a "reflection of a country" and its ability to "fill cinemas."
Despite receiving accolades like the Giraldillo de Honor, Rodríguez downplays the significance of awards, noting that "they are soon forgotten" and that the "joy others feel that day" is the most notable aspect. He confesses that "all the awards end up at my mother's house."
