Michel Franco’s unstoppable career in cinema
Since the premiere of “Daniel and Ana” in 2009, Michel Franco has consolidated a film career marked by unwavering discipline. In fifteen years, the Mexican director has made nine feature films, an average of one film every two years. This rhythm does not obey a calculated production strategy, but rather a creative need that, in his own words, has become inevitable.
The engine behind your creativity
In a recent interview, Franco shared that his passion for film is the main drive behind his productivity. “I like what I do, that’s the main reason,” he stated. He acknowledged that, in the beginning, he faced significant challenges when writing screenplays, but today that process has become a pleasurable activity. Even during periods of rest, his mind inevitably returns to writing: “When I plan to take a two-month vacation, two weeks later I’m writing again.”
This natural approach allows you to value the freedom to create when you feel ready, without external pressures. During a masterclass on the Talents Guadalajara program, Franco spoke about his most recent work, “Dreams”, filmed between San Francisco and Mexico City, and confirmed that he is already working on a new project, although he preferred not to reveal details prematurely. “It is not to maintain the mystery, but because everything can change,” he explained cautiously.
International expansion and global collaborations
Filming outside of Mexico has become a constant in Franco’s filmography. In recent years, he has collaborated with international actors such as Tim Roth (Chronic, Sundown) and Jessica Chastain (Memoria, Dreams), in productions filmed partially or entirely abroad. With “Dreams”, he reaffirmed this dynamic and announced that he will continue down that path: “I’m in talks with American actors again. I’ll probably film part of it there and part of it here.”
The challenge of staying focused
The political and economic environment of the United States, including possible tariffs for foreign productions, is a topic that Franco prefers to approach from a distance. Not out of indifference, but to avoid distractions: “I don’t take it seriously until the changes materialize. If I try to guess what will happen, I go crazy.” This concentration, however, has come at a personal cost. The director admits that his absolute dedication to cinema has distanced him from colleagues and professional circles.
Its methodology reflects a balance between creative discipline and adaptability to changing environments. Although his work gains international recognition, Franco maintains an introspective approach, prioritizing authenticity over market trends.
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