Spain is experiencing its own narrative of “Adolescence,” birthing stories that capture the evolving struggles of youth. Yet, one Spanish series stands out in this exploration: “Puberty” (“Pubertad”), a creation from renowned filmmaker Leticia Dolera. Following her award-winning series “Perfect Life”, Dolera’s “Puberty” delves into the severe issues surrounding adolescent violence, particularly focusing on sexual abuse from the perspective of young adults.
“Puberty” is set to premiere in Spain and Portugal on September 24, distributed by Beta Film and HBO Max. The series was unveiled at the prestigious San Sebastián Film Festival during a press conference on September 22, where Dolera and producer Miriam Porté presented the show, highlighting three pivotal scenes from the six-part series.
Porté recounted how the inception of the project was heavily driven by Dolera’s dedication, which set the tone for its development. Seeking support from Catalonia’s cultural authorities became vital as the series strived to address complex and weighty themes. “While this series isn’t in Catalan, it serves as a natural bridge, allowing them to lend their initial support,” explained Porté. Francisco Vargas, director of the audiovisual area at ICEC, echoed these sentiments, recognizing the need for investment in grand, quality productions. Shortly after, the backing from TV3 and 3CAT became instrumental. “It would have been utterly impossible without HBO,” she added, describing the development of financial support as a “very complex” venture.
In the ongoing narrative, a clip showcases Julia, a single mother and prominent feminist journalist, seated at a lunch table with her father, Marti Sr. (Lluís Marco), and son. Tensions arise during a familial discussion about feminism’s role in their community, thus uncovering underlying conflicts and gender dynamics within their relationships. “This series has multiple layers,” remarked Dolera in an interview with Variety. “It addresses legacy—how cultural and patriarchal values trickle down within families, exploring models of masculinity passed from fathers to sons.”
Why set “Puberty” amid the human tower tradition of Catalonia? Dolera believes this unique cultural backdrop symbolizes community and collaboration. “Building a human castle reflects society; it requires collective effort. A poorly built castle is just as susceptible to failure as fragile communities,” she stated. This metaphor extends to the show’s characters, who encapsulate the complexities of humanity’s inherent contradictions.
The second clip reveals Julia confiding in Estel, a friend portrayed by Betsy Túrnez, who recalls a troubling encounter from her teenage years involving a male counterpart. Despite Estel’s initial reluctance, societal pressures lead her to acquiesce. “This scenario isn’t simply a crime; it examines the emotional wounds and traumas inflicted on both parties,” Dolera clarified. The aftermath of this incident proves consequential, reshaping Estel’s self-worth and distorting Ortiz’s views on women and sex.
As rumors circulate through social media about a sexual aggression incident involving members of the castells team, a third significant scene emerges, depicting the group’s debate on how to handle the situation. The narrative cleverly illustrates the generational gap with characters reflecting the confusion that adults experience while confronting youth-related issues. “This scene encapsulates the confusion that adults feel when addressing such critical issues, highlighting the disconnect between generations,” Dolera explained.
Dolera added that “Puberty” serves to prompt community reflection regarding a pressing societal issue that is becoming increasingly visible, emphasizing how today’s youth, often consumed by technology, navigate an environment that many parents struggle to comprehend within a capitalist framework.
“Puberty” is brought to life by Porté’s Distinto Films and Corte y Confección y Uri Films, with a collaborative spirit that involves some of Catalonia’s leading production companies.
Founded by Miriam Porté, Barcelona-based Distinto Films has garnered accolades for remarkable films, including “Deaf” and “Mamífera,” which recently won at SXSW. Oriol Maymó’s Uri Films has made contributions to several acclaimed works, including “Sirât” and television series like “Vida Perfecta.”
As “Puberty” nears its release, its co-production with Brussels’ AT-Prod and support from local broadcaster 3Cat serves to underscore the importance of collective storytelling within today’s cinematic landscape.
