Carolina Yuste, the acclaimed actress recently honored with the Goya Award for Best Actress, is making waves not only with her performances but also with her insights on the role of cinema in society. In a recent interview, she emphasized that film serves as a powerful medium capable of dismantling archaic structures and generating a collective imagination. "Cinema is responsible for dismantling archaic structures and generating a collective imagination," she stated, reflecting on the transformative power of storytelling.
Yuste, who has seen both sides of the coin, shared her personal journey regarding the housing crisis in Spain. "The cinema allows me to pay my rent today, but I remember times when I couldn't," she recounted, highlighting the stark realities many face in cities like Madrid, the Balearic Islands, Granada, and her hometown of Badajoz. The actress lamented, "The situation is dire, and I cannot understand how so many people cannot live in a house with peace and dignity." Her words resonate deeply amid ongoing discussions about accessibility to housing in Spain.
Currently, Yuste's name is in the spotlight as her short film, "Ciao Bambina," co-directed with Afioco Gneco, is set to be showcased at the Ibicine Festival in Ibiza from April 6 to April 13, 2025. The film has already garnered significant recognition, having been nominated for a Goya Award and winning the Biznaga de Plata at the Malaga Festival last year. "Ciao Bambina" documents a personal transition and has received praise for its heartfelt storytelling.
Reflecting on the unexpected success of the project, Yuste said, "We started with just a phone camera, documenting everything little by little. Suddenly, it grew and formed a technical team, and now we are finishing the feature film of this story." The film's journey has not been without challenges, as documenting such an intimate process required significant emotional investment. Gneco, who faced his own fears in sharing his transition, found the experience to be profoundly healing. Yuste noted, "It has been an immeasurable effort, but it has also served to confront fears and wounds. We all start one way and end another; it has been a very healing experience."
Despite her busy schedule, Yuste's passion for storytelling remains unwavering. She humorously admitted, "Sometimes I think: 'If everything is going well, why get into so many troubles?' But I truly love my work; it fills my soul, and I've always had a creative impulse to tell stories like this one." Her dedication to her craft shines through as she continues to take on diverse roles.
Yuste's recent work includes the film "La infiltrada," which she was filming during the Malaga Festival, preventing her from attending the screening of "Ciao Bambina." "It was the first time it was projected in front of so many people, and I couldn't help but ask how it was going every few minutes," she recalled with a smile. The film has sparked conversations about sensitive topics, and Yuste noted, "There are delicate themes that touch people's sensibilities, which can create tension and dig into old wounds. If it hadn't been with Arantxa (Echevarría), I wouldn't have accepted the role. I knew she would treat it with love and respect. It was a personal thought at first, but everything has gone very well, and the film has generated more healing than hate, evident from its box office success on the first weekend."
Winning the Goya Award for Best Actress was a surprise for Yuste, who understands the subjective nature of recognition in the film industry. "I didn't expect it beyond the possibilities of being nominated," she admitted. "Good work is not measured solely by awards; sometimes it happens, and sometimes it doesn't. A project can resonate with some and not with others. It's a very subjective job that cannot be measured like a 100-meter race, which is easily quantified. But well, I took it home!"
In her portrayal of Aránzazu in "La infiltrada," Yuste underwent extensive preparation, including reading and consulting with professionals to authentically represent a police agent infiltrating drug trafficking and far-right groups. "That helped me a lot," she explained, showcasing her commitment to delivering a genuine performance.
As part of her ongoing engagement with the film community, Yuste will also participate in a screening of "La infiltrada" followed by a talk at the Rueda-Academia de Cine on April 10, 2025, at 18:00. This event, along with the screening of "Los destellos" and a discussion with director Pilar Palomero on April 8, highlights the vibrant cinematic culture in Spain and Yuste's integral role in it.
Carolina Yuste's journey from aspiring performer to award-winning actress exemplifies the power of resilience and creativity in the arts. Her commitment to addressing social issues through her work and her passion for storytelling continue to inspire audiences and fellow artists alike. As she navigates her career, Yuste remains a vital voice in the conversation about the responsibilities of cinema and the importance of representation in storytelling.
