Working with Kids in Movies: A Lesson in Adaptation
“Working with kids in movies is a lesson in not quite improvisation, but in adaptation,” says Mexico’s Fernando Eimbcke, known for his acclaimed feature film debut “Duck Season” (“Temporada de patos”). “They are filmmakers by nature,” he mused, “They’re drawn to drama—and by drama, I mean action.”
Now in official competition at the Berlinale, Eimbcke’s latest film “Flies” centers around Olga, who leads an unremarkable life in an apartment complex. After an unexpected expense drains her savings, she rents out a room to a man from out of town who sneaks in his nine-year-old son at night. As she bonds with the boy, her carefully calibrated world begins to unravel.
Like “Duck Season,” Eimbcke shot “Flies” (“Moscas”) in black & white, with young boys and video games playing central roles. The film also features actor Enrique Arreola, known for his role as the pizza delivery man in Eimbcke’s previous film.
Newcomer Bastian Escobar portrays the boy, while Hugo Ramírez, also a non-professional actor, plays his father. Teresita Sánchez, known for her performances in “Totem” and “Dos Estaciones,” takes on the role of Olga.
Eimbcke expresses his admiration for Sánchez, stating, “She is one of my favorite actresses, and I really wanted to work with her after seeing her in Nicolás Pereda’s and Lila Avilés’ films.”
The premise of the story in “Flies” is universal, according to Eimbcke. It depicts an adult suddenly tasked with caring for a child, a theme seen in films like “Gloria” by Nick Cassavetes and “Alice in the Cities” by Wim Wenders.
“The fly in the film symbolizes an unwanted presence that transforms everything once it enters your life. In this case, the father and son are the ‘flies,’ serving as a metaphor for change and transformation,” Eimbcke explains.
Regarding his choice to film in black & white, Eimbcke notes its ability to bring balance to melodrama with touches of humor. He cites Chaplin’s influence and the clean geometry of gags in black & white as factors in his decision.
Eimbcke’s ties to Berlin date back to his participation in the festival’s Talent Campus and living in the city for six years. “Flies” incorporates inspiration from the housing blocks in East Berlin, reflecting a connection to the city that Eimbcke holds dear.
Produced by Kinotitlán with Eréndira Núñez Larios and Michel Franco of Teorema, “Flies” was a collaborative effort that brought Eimbcke’s vision to life on screen.
Eimbcke credits his co-writer Vanesa Garnica for shaping the story of “Flies,” which he had written years ago. Their collaboration breathed new life into the script, transforming it into the film audiences see today.
“Movies choose when they want to be made,” Eimbcke reflects. With “Flies,” he felt a sense of confidence and readiness to bring the story to fruition, guided by a willingness to take risks and create something meaningful.
Garnica, who also worked on Eimbcke’s previous film “Olmo,” continues to collaborate with him on future projects, including an upcoming adaptation.
