Diego Luna is making waves at the San Sebastián Film Festival, rolling out his latest directorial project, ‘Ashes’. But let’s be straight up, dude, he’s also reflecting on the wild ride that was Andor, the Disney+ ‘Star Wars’ spinoff that wrapped its second season last year. The acclaimed performer, who earned two Golden Globe nominations for his role in the series, is making it clear that a pop culture phenomenon like ‘Andor’ hitting different is something he might never experience again. It’s ‘one of a kind’.
‘It doesn’t compare to anything else,’ Luna asserted, emphasizing the generational affection and global reach of ‘Star Wars’. For ‘Andor’, the audience is already there, a stark contrast to the grind of getting an independent film like ‘Ashes’ seen. He noted that while production challenges are similar, what truly defines a project is its specific point of view. Films that merely aim to please, without a clear vision, are quickly forgotten, he says, advocating for authentic storytelling over chasing fleeting trends.
His film ‘Ashes’, which premiered at the Cannes Film Festival, perfectly embodies this vision-driven approach. Adapted from a novel by Brenda Navarro, the movie delves into the lives of Lucila (Anna Díaz) and her brother Diego (Sergio Bautista), who are dealing with feelings of abandonment after their mother (Adriana Paz) relocated to Madrid for work. Luna specifically crafted the film to offer a different perspective on immigration, shining a light on what individuals leave behind when they embark on a new life journey.
Luna stressed the enduring relevance of immigration stories, dismissing the idea that it’s a transient topic. ‘It’s a story that keeps happening and will continue to happen unless we truly react,’ he declared, linking it to ongoing issues like violence, economic struggles, and the climate crisis. For the director, the core challenge lies in how we welcome newcomers. He highlighted the importance of ‘curiosity’ and empathy, urging people to move past initial discomfort to understand the human stories driving migration, calling out a complex dichotomy in Mexico’s own approach to migrants.
Offering advice to budding filmmakers, Luna championed making films in Spanish, calling it a ‘very special freedom.’ ‘You don’t have to move to make sure that your stories travel,’ he explained. He cited his own experience in Spain with ‘Ashes’ as proof that directors can remain true to their linguistic and cultural roots and still connect with global audiences. It’s about letting the authenticity of your voice resonate, allowing your art to travel on its own merits, no cap.
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Livia Dorne covers film, television, music, and pop culture with a keen editorial perspective. She delivers engaging commentary, reviews, and behind-the-scenes insights that keep readers connected to the entertainment world. Her style blends critique with storytelling.
