Directed by Fernando León de Aranoa, the movie is based on Virginia Vallejo´s bestselling memoir "Loving Pablo, Hating Escobar", and is co-produced by New Boyana Film Studios / B2Y Productions
"Loving Pablo" recreates the exciting story and stormy love affair between the famous Colombian drug lord Pablo Escobar (played by Javier Bardem) and the ambitious TV host Virchania Vallejo (Penelope Cruz). The tale is an adaptation and told through the perspective of the journalist - author of the "Love Pablo, Hate Escobar" memoir. The Bulgarian company B2Y Productions, part of New Boyana Film Studios, is a co-producer of this project with the original title "Loving Pablo". Director and screenwriter is Fernando Leon de Aranoa.
The very presence of the acting tandem Bardem-Cruz (a couple in real life) guarantees the audience an engagement with quality European cinema, and the familiar and expected synchronous interaction between the two stars definitely acts as an additional attraction for our attention. Made in a documentary style, Pablo Escobar's film portrait shows not only the cruel side of his character, but also details of his life story related to charity causes, such as the construction of schools and hospitals, taking the side of the poor that brought him popularity among people.
The postproduction of "Loving Pablo" as well as some of the shooting took place in Bulgaria. An extremely complicated scene was filmed here - the landing of a real plane as part of a cascade in the movie. Bulgarian film crews took part in the filming process at home and abroad. "Loving Pablo" is an example of the wonderful collaboration between Bulgarian cinema professionals and their foreign colleagues, and is another proof that Bulgaria is becoming a preferred cinema destination.
Expect more surprises in the 22nd Sofia Film Fest program – March is the month for cinema!