Director Estel Díaz has presented her debut feature film A Fuego, an adolescent drama exploring youth grief, mental health and self-expression through dance. Co-written with Nuria Dunjó, the movie centers on a teenager navigating loss within a clandestine youth community set near Barcelona.
The story follows 17-year-old Lola, played by actress Zoe Bonafonte, who loses her brother Nico, a promising dancer whose life was derailed by drug addiction. Seeking answers about his death, Lola discovers El Búnker, an underground dance space located inside one of the iconic industrial chimneys of Sant Adrià de Besòs.
Zoe Bonafonte, known for her roles in El 47 and Ruega por nosotras, plays the central protagonist as she seeks to process her bereavement through movement.
Youth community and emotional expression
Inside the self-managed collective, Lola finds a family of friends who assist her through the grieving process. Díaz explained that dance allows individuals to release emotions gradually while working to understand what they are experiencing.
The Barcelona-born director noted that her first name, Estel, translates to Star in Catalan. Prior to this project, she directed the television series Red Flags, which paved the way for her first feature film.
Díaz belongs to FUTUROA, an artistic collective whose core philosophy aims to balance political activism with fun and entertainment. She said the film was conceived with mainstream audience appeal in mind, but the creators intended to incorporate deeper social values rather than offering pure entertainment.
The filmmaker also emphasized her goal to challenge common stereotypes depicting adolescents as superficial or disengaged. She stated that the young community of El Búnker was created with enthusiasm and drive, adding that the concept of community extends beyond physical walls. She noted that a character named Andy highlights this spirit by stating that the members themselves form El Búnker.
Addressing youth suicide with care
Youth suicide forms the central thematic interrogation of the film. To address the sensitive topic with respect, Díaz said the production team approached the subject with truthfulness and sought expert guidance.
The filmmakers consulted a psychiatrist to gain detailed knowledge of the emotional progression and arcs experienced by those affected by suicide.
Díaz assured that suicide was not included in the film for sensationalism or morbid curiosity, but to provide emotional dimension and explanation. She added that filmmakers hold a responsibility to remain coherent and authentic when tackling such sensitive issues.
