While the COVID-19 pandemic wrecked the film industry in ways that will likely take years to recover, the long break that filmmakers were forced into actually has sparked some creativity. We’ve seen several directors helm new projects that they conceived during this shutdown. And now, Pedro Almodóvar is on the brink of beginning production of his next film, “Parallel Mothers,” which he finished during his unexpected break.
READ MORE: Pedro Almodóvar Turned Down Streaming Services For His Next Feature ‘Parallel Mothers’
According to Variety, Almodóvar is putting together his cast for his new film, “Parallel Mothers,” which has already announced Penelope Cruz as the star. Joining her in the cast are actors Aitana Sánchez Gijón, Milena Smit, Israel Elejalde, Julieta Serrano, and Rossy de Palma. The latter two co-starred in Almodóvar’s film, “Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown.” “Parallel Mothers,” as the title suggests, is a drama about women who give birth on the same day. The film then goes through the first two years of motherhood, with each woman having her own unique story.
“With ‘Madres Paralelas,’ I return to the female universe, to motherhood, to the family,” said Almodóvar. “I speak of the importance of ancestors and descendants. The inevitable presence of memory. There are many mothers in my filmography; the ones that are part of this story are very different.”
READ MORE: ‘The Human Voice’ Trailer: Tilda Swinton Stars In Pedro Almodóvar’s Acclaimed Short
He continued, “As a storyteller, imperfect mothers inspire me most at this time. Penélope Cruz, Aitana Sánchez Gijón, and the young Milena Smit will play the three mothers in the film, accompanied by Israel Elejalde as the main male character. It is also a collaboration with my beloved Julieta Serrano and Rossy de Palma. ‘Parallel Mothers’ will be an intense drama. Or so I hope.”
As mentioned, “Parallel Mothers” is set to begin production soon, with filming expected to start in March. If that’s the case, then there is an outside chance we could see the feature sometime later this year, but most likely, this could be destined for an early-2022 release at one of the major festivals.