Applause for Majorcan film

The story line surrounds a Briton who comes on his own to a small village on the island and who needs time to communicate with the locals because of the language problem.

Impressive
Asked why he accepted the role in this particular film, Meany replied that the script was very good. Bestard, a Majorcan from Bunyola, had apparently shown Meany a number of short films he had made previously, and Meany was duly impressed. “Toni Bestard is very talented, and it is not the first time that I have collaborated with directors on their first full-length film,” said Meaney.

The actor said that he hopes that the film will be appreciated by a wide audience in Spain, and that it will make money. He explained that the circumstances of filming provided a number of difficulties and that such a project could only be fulfilled with the commitment of everyone involved. “I realised seeing the final version that the work has been filmed magnificently. The photography is outstanding,” claimed Meaney, posing after the premier with other actors from El Perfecto Desconocido and director Bestard.

Meaney commented on how much he had enjoyed acting with other people who had taken part in the film, acknowledging their professionalism. “It was almost like working in a family group,” the actor said.

Meaney was asked if he had in any way identified with the character he played in the film due to lack of knowledge of the local language. The actor replied that although the film was in no way autobiographical, he couldn't help feeling that he had had the similar experience of people on Majorca talking to him and not being able to understand anything. “I'm actually making an effort to learn Spanish,” said Meaney “now that I am spending my time between Soller and Los Angeles. “My daughter is studying in Marratxi and I seem to be spending an increasing amount of time on Majorca.” Meaney had publicly supported the idea of the creation of a Majorcan Film Festival and the development of the island as an important film-making centre, a project which was eventually dropped. But now local government is starting to pick up the concept that Majorca has excellent qualities for a film-making industry. “It was a tragedy that the Festival didn't become a reality,” said Meaney. “It's very difficult dealing with politicians over such an issue. “I only wanted to do something to support Majorca and the outcome was most disappointing. I wasn't very happy about putting myself out on a limb like that and will perhaps be more cautious in the future about participation in promotions of that kind.” “Majorca is the perfect place for filming, the landscape is so varied. The island really should become a film-making centre.” Meaney said that the creation of a Majorcan Film Festival is a perfect lynch pin for the connection between tourism and cinema. He pointed out that after the screening of the film trilogy, The Lord of the Rings, thousands of people visited New Zealand where filming had taken place.