Musician Guillermo Furiase has made his leading acting debut in Fiesta Pagäna, a feature film chronicling the rise of Spanish folk-rock group Mägo de Oz. The biographical motion picture opened in cinemas on 6 November.
The 32-year-old artist portrays violinist Carlos Prieto, known to fans as Moha, in the production directed by Álvaro Brechner. Brechner previously won a Goya Award for his drama A Twelve-Year Night. The film features a cast that includes Adrián Lastra and Roberto Álamo.
The film traces the history of Mägo de Oz from their beginnings in the 1980s through to their international success. Furiase noted that the production runs for two and a half hours, describing it as an agile and dynamic look at a touring rock group from the inside. Filming extended over four months, taking considerably longer than initially anticipated.
Furiase had previously taken a minor role in the comedy Que baje Dios y lo vea, directed by Curro Velázquez, but Fiesta Pagäna marks his first leading performance on screen.
The Surprise Casting and Violin Lessons
Speaking over breakfast at a cafe, Furiase joked that he originally chose to become an artist to avoid early mornings, only to discover that film sets require waking up early. He explained that he was familiar with Mägo de Oz long before the role was offered, calling them a legendary group whose song Fiesta Pagana he had danced to at multiple parties.
His audition took an unexpected turn when Prieto himself entered the room accompanied by his wife and children. Furiase recalled that the door opened midway through his performance, after which the violinist and his family sat down and asked him to repeat the test. He added that Prieto effectively chose him for the role on the spot.
Although Furiase plays several instruments, learning the violin required dedicated training. He took lessons alongside other actors and practiced at home, where neighbours eventually asked whether a squeaking door in the building was making the strange noises. Furiase said he felt satisfied with his portrayal and felt inside the role, supported by his castmates, while noting that he approaches the craft with great respect because acting is exceptionally difficult.
The Flores Dynasty and Memories of Antonio
Furiase belongs to one of the most prominent artistic families in Spain. He is the son of singer Lolita Flores and Argentine businessman Guillermo Furiase, the grandson of Lola Flores and Antonio González, known as El Pescaílla, the nephew of singer Rosario Flores, the brother of actress Elena Furiase, and the cousin of actress Alba Flores.
Responding to his role in continuing the family tradition, Furiase remarked with humour that more members of the Flores family continue to enter the arts, observing that nobody in the family became a pharmacist and that everyone is an artist.
A promotional image of Furiase in costume with long hair drew widespread attention for his uncanny resemblance to his late uncle, the singer-songwriter Antonio Flores. Furiase acknowledged the physical and behavioral similarities, explaining that his mother and his aunt Rosario are often stunned by how closely his expressions, mannerisms, and gaze resemble those of his uncle.
Antonio Flores died in 1995 when Guillermo was one year old. Furiase explained that while he has no direct memories of his uncle, he grew up hearing numerous family stories and looking at photographs, making him feel as though he had lived with him. He noted that relatives have pointed out that he shares his uncle's handwriting, and both musicians began their musical journeys by playing the guitar.
Advice From Lolita and Life in Madrid
When seeking guidance in his creative and personal life, Furiase turns primarily to his mother. He explained that Lolita always provides honest advice because any misstep on his part reflects on her as family. He also consults his sister and his cousin Alba Flores for specific matters. He cited his mother's long career, pointing to her thousands of hours on theatre stages, her film roles, and her live concerts as an enduring example of creativity and spontaneity.
Furiase shares an apartment with his mother in central Madrid. He described the arrangement as a fortunate situation, noting that they share mutual friends, hold similar mindsets, and enjoy both companionship and personal independence. He added that while he considers living alone in the future, his current income does not permit him to live independently the way he wants, making his present arrangement ideal.
Reflecting on his father, Furiase recalled an observation shared with him years ago. His father told him that the Flores family operates as a matriarchy and that nobody should exhaust themselves trying to change that reality.
Solo Music Projects and Screenwriting
Beyond his acting debut, Furiase is actively working on several creative projects, including writing a screenplay for a feature film. Music, however, remains his primary pursuit. He founded a progressive rock band at 17 influenced by Pink Floyd, performing on weekends in clubs across Madrid. He left the group at 22 to write his own material, later composing music for theatre productions and commercial campaigns, including an advertisement for Chupa Chups.
After three successive computer breakdowns interrupted his work, his mother suggested he pause his musical projects until the right moment arrived. Furiase is now completing a solo album that he described as the record of his life. He handles vocals, composition, and mixing himself before refining the arrangements with musicians. He stated that he is not aiming to fill the Santiago Bernabéu stadium, preferring an intimate record, and will present the songs live at the Callejón del Gato venue in Madrid on 19 November.
Daily Routines and Views on Social Media
Furiase described himself as a rock and jazz enthusiast, noting that he enjoys all music with the exception of reggaeton. He also expressed growing distaste for social media, explaining that although he originally joined Instagram for fun, he finds the platform artificial and intends to hand account management to someone else. He criticised personal oversharing, such as posting pictures of food, and rejected the suggestion that an online presence generates work, calling social networks an unnecessary form of slavery.
Discussing his family surname, Furiase stated that while he is proud to come from a family of hard-working artists, the Flores name is not a master key that automatically opens doors. He admitted that his direct manner can sometimes unintentionally cause offence, but emphasised that he would never compromise his principles for financial gain, choosing to remain poor and happy.
His daily schedule balances creative work with physical fitness. Furiase runs and performs home exercises to manage a herniated disc, spending much of his time at home writing, painting, composing, and cooking. He noted that he avoids nightclubs, preferring to share beers and laughter with close friends, describing a sense of humour as fundamental to life.
