Karra Elejalde and Luis Zahera recently made an appearance on the popular television show El Hormiguero to promote their upcoming film, Tierra de nadie, set to hit cinemas on March 28, 2025. This gritty drama explores themes of friendship, drug trafficking, and rising social tensions, and is directed by Albert Pintó.
The film is rooted in real-life events in Cádiz, a region notorious as the entry point for drugs into Europe. The story follows three friends: Mateo el Gallego, a heroic civil guard; Juan El Antxale, a fisherman turned drug dealer; and Benito el Yeye, a judicial depositor who straddles the line between legality and crime. As Zahera aptly put it, "Es fácil ser amigos cuando juegas en el mismo equipo... Pero dile ahora a un jugador del Atleti y del Real Madrid que lo sean," highlighting the complex dynamics of their relationships.
During their promotional segment on the show, the actors shared gripping anecdotes from the set. Elejalde recounted how the filming conditions tested their resolve. He humorously explained, "Nunca tengo anécdotas, pero de eso sí," referring to the challenges of shooting amidst artificial rain, which made the shoot even more difficult as Zahera nearly suffered from hypothermia due to the cold.
Elejalde portrayed Juan El Antxale, a man who became entangled in the drug trade due to unfortunate circumstances. He elaborated on the film's darker undertones, saying, "La película nos pone ante ese tipo de situaciones," pointing to the realities of the narcotics trade that plagues the region. As both actors discussed the thematic elements of the film, they stressed its social commentary, reflecting on how their characters navigate the blurred lines of morality in the world of drug trafficking.
The tough conditions on set didn’t just come from the weather; filming brought unexpected injuries. "Yo me lesioné en 15 lugares del cuerpo, pero solo puedo contar dos porque tengo derecho a mi privacidad," Elejalde joked, indicating the sheer physicality required for their roles. Zahera added to the humor, recounting a fall during filming that led to a painful injury. Together, they painted a vivid picture of the challenges that come with making action-packed dramas.
Taking the conversation deeper, Elejalde pointed to the critical issues facing the police and their resources when combating drug trafficking. His statement that "antes los narcotraficantes entraban por Galicia y tienen más infraestructuras que los cuerpos y fuerzas de seguridad del estado" reflected a poignant reality within the police's struggle to cope with organized crime.
As they navigated discussions about their characters' loyalties and dilemmas, Zahera remarked on the inherent tension in their roles, suggesting that the challenges presented in Tierra de nadie resonate with broader societal issues. He mentioned that their experience on set forced them to confront their moral standings within the narrative framework.
Through Banter and laughter, the friendship that flourished on-screen was evident off-screen too. Their witty exchanges about their characters offered audiences a glimpse into the kind of bond they formed during the often grueling filming process. Zahera jokingly referred to Elejalde as a "morcillero" while Elejalde pointed out Zahera's sense of humor, bridging their professional camaraderie with personal insights.
Both actors have accrued impressive accolades, each having won two Goya Awards throughout their careers, underscoring their notable contributions to Spanish cinema. Elejalde reflected on the nature of awards, advising, "Lo que tienes que hacer cuando no te dan el premio... es estar en el no. Como tengas aspiraciones de que te lo van a dar estás jodido. Si das por hecho que no te lo van a dar, lo que te llevas es una sorpresa." His thoughts embody the spirit of perseverance and the acceptance of one’s craft independent of validation through awards.
As the interview came to a close, both Elejalde and Zahera left their audiences with more than just insights into their film; they revealed their perspectives on friendship, the challenges of portraying real-life scenarios, and the human experience within the cinema. With the anticipation building for the release of Tierra de nadie, audiences can look forward to being captivated by the stories and characters that both actors passionately bring to life.
