At the 2025 Málaga Film Festival, Spanish director Santi Amodeo premiered his latest film, “El Cielo de los Animales.” The film is based on the short story collection “The Heaven of Animals: Stories” by U.S. author and UCF Professor of Creative Writing, David James Poissant. This collection was published by Simon & Schuster in English in 2014 and by Edhasa Argentina in Spanish translation in 2015, has since been printed in nine languages. The film explores complex themes of loss, grief, and the passage of time through four interwoven stories. Each narrative presents a different perspective on death, focusing on those who have passed away, those who are destined to die, and those who experience death in real time.
Amodeo first encountered Poissant’s work while filming in Argentina and was immediately captivated by how the story portrayed death. He described the story collection as a unique and surprisingly optimistic take on loss, which resonated with him because it deviates from the somber tones often associated with grief. Amodeo noted that Poissant’s perspective on death aligns with the Andalusian view, where death is typically seen in a lighter, more playful manner, allowing people to coexist with it more naturally.
The adaptation, which captures the essence of Poissant’s writing, is notable for its sensitive handling of the complex subject. “What struck me about Poissant’s writing is how he prompts the reader to reflect on death without becoming overly melancholic,” Amodeo shared. This blend of optimism and contemplation inspired him to adapt the book into a film.
Poissant spoke about his work being adapted into a film: “Every writer dreams of publishing a book, and most writers dream of seeing that book turned into a movie. I’m no exception. Amodeo and these brilliant actors have brought my stories to life on the screen in a manner that surpasses my wildest dreams. The film is gorgeous and true to the tone and tenor of the book. It’s the thrill of a lifetime.”
In a recent interview, Amodeo discussed the challenges of filming with analog Ektachrome film. Although this process presented technical difficulties, it ultimately enhanced the film’s aesthetic quality. He also spoke about working with an ensemble cast that included seasoned actors like Raúl Arévalo, as well as newcomers such as Paula Díaz and Claudio Portalo. Balancing the varied experience levels of the actors posed a unique challenge for the director, but he was pleased with the cohesive atmosphere they managed to create.
Both Amodeo and Díaz expressed their excitement about showcasing the film at the Málaga Film Festival. For Amodeo, the selection of El Cielo de los Animales for the festival is particularly meaningful, given the event’s growing prestige over the years. “Just being here means we’re on the right track,” he reflected, acknowledging the significance of the festival’s recognition.