Director Dani Feixas talks about his short film ‘Paris 70’ which has recently qualified to be considered for an Oscar!

‘Care’ is at the very foundation of our existence, without it, we’d lack the soul and compassion we need to navigate the day to day. With a greater awareness being brought to those who care for others, whether on a professional or personal level, it’s important to acknowledge the selflessness that caregivers embody. A reality brought to our screens thanks to multi-award winning director Dani Feixas, possible Oscar contender Paris 70 follows Jan’s story as he attempts to take care of his mother Angela who has succumbed to Alzheimer’s. Inspired by his own grandmother’s battle with Alzheimer’s and his mother taking care of her, we step into a socially aware era of short film. Ahead of Oscars long list announcements early next year, Dani tells us more about collaborating with a various organisations within the social and healthcare sector to create a work resonant for many.

Hi Dani, your short film Paris 70 has qualified to be considered for an Oscar. How are you feeling?

I feel very proud and happy for the entire team that has worked on the short film. Over the past year, Paris 70 has brought us many joys, including a nomination for the 2024 Goya Awards, traveling around the world, and winning more than 140 awards. However, the Academy Awards hold a very special place in my heart. It would be like living a dream, a unique opportunity to show the world the optimistic side of Alzheimer’s disease and raise awareness about this important social issue.

Paris 70 follows Jan’s story as he attempts to take care of his mother Angela who has succumbed to Alzheimer’s. Inspired by your grandmother’s battle with Alzheimer’s and your mother taking care of her, how have you found exploring this resonant reality further?

The topic of Alzheimer’s, unfortunately, is present in many families. In the Paris 70 team, I wasn’t the only one who had experienced a similar situation with their father or grandmother, and this involved us in a special way. In my case, I used my experience to add elements to the story that I had seen when my mother took care of my grandmother. This is partly very realistic, but I wanted to take this story to an optimistic place and avoid melodrama. I wanted to tell this story in a different way than usual, from a magical place, and highlight the small moments of joy and connection between the patient and the caregiver. The role of the caregiver is very overlooked, and in Paris 70 we pay tribute to these important people. I wanted to convey that the family love given to the patient is currently the most effective therapy.

Your work spans TV, film and advertising campaigns, with the campaigns you’ve worked on primarily being focused on prevalent issues such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, public health and social inclusion. How do you approach preparing for campaigns such as these?

There isn’t a specific way; sometimes they contact me through an advertising agency or sometimes through foundations. Since I was young, I’ve wanted to make movies, but for many years I’ve learned the craft of directing by making short films, music videos, commercials, and documentaries. I’m not an expert in social or health issues, but I admire all the people who dedicate their lives and work to helping others. I believe that as filmmakers, we have the obligation to help raise awareness of these social issues that improve people’s lives. Cinema is a very powerful tool for communication, and I always try to contribute my small way, whenever I can.

Paris 70 has been made with the support of the social and health care sector including palliative care organisation SECPAL, Alzheimer Catalunya, Foundación Alzheimer España (FAE), the Spanish Alzheimer Confederation (CEAFA), the Alzheimer Family Association (AFADEMA), the Alzheimer Center Barcelona (ACE) and the Palliative Care Chair at the Univesity of Vic. How have you collaborated with these organisations to realise the film?

The involvement of these foundations began with the script. Before filming the short film, we sent the script to these associations and foundations to get their opinion and a letter of support. They all agreed it was a brilliant story that recognised their work with Alzheimer’s patients and encouraged us to make the short film. Once the short film was made, we gave them the film so they could show it in their associations, and it has been an incredible success. It has now been shown in more than 80 associations of Alzheimer’s families, hospitals, medical conferences, etc. The feedback we receive from the social and healthcare sector is wonderful, and it is a film that generates debate and pays tribute to non-professional caregivers of people with degenerative diseases. For me, it is very gratifying to have a short film that wins awards at film festivals, but it is even more important that my work moves people who have had similar experiences to Paris 70. Many people tell me they see themselves reflected in the story and that it has touched them deeply.

What have you learned/taken away from creating the film?

I have learned that when you make a film, you never know where it might go. The audience makes the film their own, and it can end up traveling all over the world. A family story from Barcelona can touch people in South Africa, Argentina, Japan, or the United States. Another thing is that now I have more desire to film than ever.

What can audiences expect from the film?

What I would tell the audience is that Paris 70 talks about a universal topic like Alzheimer’s, but it does so in a different way. It’s not sad, it’s not depressing, it’s not melodramatic. It’s a family love story, emotional, inspiring, positive, that dignifies Alzheimer’s patients and their caregivers. You need to dedicate 15 minutes to watch it, it won’t disappoint you.

What would you like for audiences to take away from the film?

I hope the audience has a good experience watching Paris 70. I would like the story to make them reflect on the elderly and how we would like to be cared for when we are old. I don’t have any bigger ambitions. Just that they like it a little.

Interview by Lucy Basaba.

To find out more about Paris 70, visit here…