# Roberto Bueso Explores Fatherhood and Regret in 'El Mal Padre' Director Roberto Bueso examines the complexities of paternal relationships in his latest tragicomic feature film. - **Source:** [Variety](https://variety.com) - **Published:** 2026-11-12 - **Topic:** [entertainment](https://brifing.si/c/entertainment) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/36fed5c7-4a25-4415-9506-88379b0792f7 ## San Sebastián Competition Premiere Roberto Bueso’s latest feature, El Mal Padre, recently debuted in the main competition at the San Sebastián Film Festival. The film, which is being sold internationally by Film Factory, marks a significant milestone in Bueso’s career. It explores the intricate and often painful dynamics of fatherhood through a poignant, tragicomic lens. ## Starring Eduard Fernández The film features four-time Goya winner Eduard Fernández in the lead role of Santiago Balmes. Fernández, a recent recipient of Spain’s National Cinematography Award, portrays a celebrated writer facing a terminal diagnosis. He attempts to reconcile with his estranged adult children, highlighting the struggle of a man confronting his past mistakes. ## Personal Origins of Storytelling Bueso co-wrote the screenplay with Óscar Díaz Cruz, drawing inspiration from their own transitions into fatherhood. The narrative reflects a generational shift in how men perceive their roles as parents. By channeling their personal fears and reflections, the creators aimed to bring contemporary views on masculinity into a meaningful cinematic dialogue. ## Character Complexity and Balance Director Bueso and actor Eduard Fernández collaborated to portray Santiago as an emotionally clumsy yet charismatic figure. They avoided judging the character, focusing instead on his contradictions and inherent harshness. The goal was to balance his past failures with moments of vulnerability, allowing the audience to witness his genuine internal reckoning. ## Production and Creative Shift Compared to his previous works like La Banda and Llenos de Gracia, this project represents a more intimate and mature creative direction for Bueso. The production involved a collaboration between MOD Producciones, MOD Pictures, Misent Producciones, and Atresmedia Cine. It also received essential financial support from Spain’s ICAA national institute. ## Valencian Landscape as Memory The film was shot entirely within the Comunidad Valenciana, a region deeply tied to Bueso’s own emotional history. The director utilized the local landscapes, sea, and rocks to mirror the childhood memories of the characters. This setting serves as a backdrop for the family to revisit their past before their eventual estrangement. ## Supporting Cast and Crew Eduard Fernández is joined by a talented ensemble cast, including Adam Jezierski, Francesco Carril, and Meritxell Calvo. The visual tone of the film was crafted by cinematographer Alex Catalán. Their collective efforts contribute to the film’s grounded approach, ensuring the emotional weight of the story remains the central focus throughout the narrative. ## Theatrical Release and Outlook Caramel Films is scheduled to release El Mal Padre in Spanish theaters on November 20. As a contender in the San Sebastián main competition, the film has already garnered critical praise. It stands as a reflective piece on the futility of late-stage reconciliation and the enduring impact of parental choices. ## Sources covering this story - https://variety.com/2026/film/global/el-mal-padre-eduard-fernandez-roberto-bueso-film-factory-1236944257/ — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._