Juan José Campanella: ‘Parque Lezama’ on Netflix, Mafalda & Argentine Cinema’s Future

“In this film is where everything began,” says Juan José Campanella about the cinematic version of Parque Lezama, arriving on Netflix this Friday, March 6th, after a limited theatrical run in Argentina. The film, and the decades of success that preceded it – culminating in the historic 2010 Oscar win for El secreto de sus ojos – are distilled into a story unfolding within a single setting. But Parque Lezama is just one facet of a remarkably active period for the director, who is simultaneously navigating the complexities of Argentine cinema and bringing a beloved cultural icon, Mafalda, to life in a new animated series for the same streaming platform.

Campanella, who considers himself first and foremost a film editor, explains that the film’s essence lies in its editing. “Nobody really knows what a director does, but everyone knows what an editor does,” he says. He personally oversaw the editing of Parque Lezama, a process distinct from the original stage production that ran for 11 years with nearly 500,000 attendees in Argentina and Spain. As he told LA NACION, the goal was to capture not the events themselves, but the characters’ memories of them.

Adapting the Stage to the Screen

This approach led to a key decision: filming entirely on location in Parque Lezama. Campanella deliberately avoided the common practice of expanding a stage play into a film with additional scenes and flashbacks. He believes that such additions can diminish the magic of the original work, turning a vibrant setting into “cardboard painted.” He contrasts this with films like 12 Angry Men, which he considers “pure cinema” despite its single setting. The camera, he argues, allows for a deeper exploration of the characters’ inner lives, revealing what’s happening in their minds – something a stage production can only hint at. The nuanced performances of Luis Brandoni and Eduardo Blanco, both reprising their stage roles, are central to this vision.

Campanella emphasizes the power of subtle camera work, the kind that often goes unnoticed by the audience, to shape the viewing experience. He believes that the true art of directing lies in guiding the audience’s attention and evoking emotion. He notes that the film’s emotional impact will likely be stronger than the stage version, allowing viewers to connect with the characters on a more intimate level.

Beyond Parque Lezama: A Multifaceted Career

While Parque Lezama represents a return to his roots, Campanella’s career has been remarkably diverse. From the international success of El secreto de sus ojos to the animated film Metegol, he has consistently demonstrated a talent for storytelling across genres. He’s also worked extensively in television, including a current project on the American series Law & Order. But his most ambitious undertaking at the moment is the animated series based on Quino’s iconic comic strip, Mafalda. As reported by Netflix, the series is a passion project for Campanella, who grew up reading Mafalda and recognizes its enduring cultural significance.

“We’ve all grown up with Mafalda,” Campanella explains. “We are contemporaries of Mafalda. We are her age.” He is working closely with Quino’s family to ensure the series remains true to the spirit of the original comic strip. The series will consist of two seasons, each with ten episodes of approximately 20-25 minutes in length. He’s assembled a team of talented writers, including Cecilia Monti, his wife, who also co-authored his recent stage play, Empieza con D, siete letras, currently running in Buenos Aires.

The State of Argentine Cinema

Campanella’s enthusiasm for Mafalda is tempered by a growing concern for the future of Argentine cinema. He expresses dismay at the current trend of diminishing support for the industry, particularly the potential cuts to funding for the INCAA (Instituto Nacional de Cine y Artes Audiovisuales). He argues that culture is essential to Argentina’s identity and global relevance, especially during a period of economic hardship. He points to the country’s rich artistic heritage – its music, literature, and theater – as a source of national pride and international recognition.

“Argentina is in the furnace in economic terms,” Campanella states. “From economic indicators, we are perhaps the worst country in Latin America after Venezuela, with inflation that apparently can be lowered, but not stopped, and an economic crisis since I was born.” He believes that investing in culture is not a luxury, but a necessity, and warns against the dangers of viewing artists as “lazy” or dependent on handouts. He acknowledges that corruption exists within the industry, but argues that addressing it should not involve dismantling the entire system. “Pruning a tree is one thing, cutting it down is another,” he cautions.

He laments the decline of the “star system” in cinema, noting that the last true Hollywood stars were Leonardo DiCaprio and Robert De Niro. He believes that the rise of streaming platforms, while offering new opportunities, has also contributed to the erosion of the theatrical experience and the creation of iconic figures. He recalls the excitement of seeing films starring De Niro in his youth, a connection that is increasingly rare in today’s cinematic landscape.

What’s Next for Campanella

Campanella’s immediate focus is on completing the Mafalda animated series, a project he describes as his “main focus.” He is also continuing his work on Law & Order and plans to write a new play. While an English-language series adaptation of El hijo de la novia remains a possibility, This proves currently on hold. He emphasizes that he would only pursue the project if he could maintain creative control, as the story is deeply personal to him, being based on his own family history. For now, he’s channeling his energy into projects that resonate with his artistic sensibilities and celebrate the power of storytelling.

The release of Parque Lezama on Netflix marks a new chapter for a beloved Argentine play, and a continuation of Juan José Campanella’s prolific and impactful career. It’s a reminder of the enduring power of cinema – and the importance of preserving the cultural landscape that makes Argentina so unique.