Interview with Javier Cámara
It isn't easy to interview Javier Cámara. His professional commitments pile up - he just wrapped filming in Italy under Paolo Sorrentino's direction and is already packing his bags to do the same in New York - but he finally finds a moment to talk about the world of travel. He knows the major capitals of Europe and a few in America well, but on his return, he likes to detour to the Puerto de Piqueras, en route to Albelda de Ireguela (La Rioja), where his mother awaits him with open arms. The red carpets and the shine of awards are compatible for him with the valleys and green meadows of La Rioja.
Any special trip from your childhood or adolescence?
I remember a trip to Madrid for a school trip, over one weekend. Years later, when I was already living in the Spanish capital, I had a déjà vu and remembered that trip from school entirely. In fact, I went to visit the hotel where we stayed. I had completely forgotten, but suddenly, the details of that experience came back to me.
By the way, what impressed you most about Madrid as a provincial boy who wanted to be an actor?
How big it was. Until I moved to Madrid, my reference city was Logroño. So Madrid seemed immense to me. Now it's my home, and I find it much more manageable. It's also true that when I arrived in Madrid, in those 80s, it was a slightly more dangerous time, and I was very naive and very much a small-town boy.
As an enthusiastic and practicing Riojan, what place in La Rioja should we not miss?
My Iregua Valley. From the valley upwards, the Cameros begin. It's a wonderful area, full of contrasts. Whenever I can, when traveling from Madrid, I pass through the Puerto de Piqueras and visit all the towns in the valley until I reach Albelda de Iregua, my mother's hometown. It's my luxury entrance to La Rioja. Plus, there's now a fantastic highway that crosses all of Soria, making it much faster. Autumn in those landscapes compels you to stop at every curve. I would also recommend other places in La Rioja, which is filled with beautiful towns, affordable restaurants, and warm, smiling people.
I've heard you talk about your travel passion before. Is there a particular reason?
Travel rejuvenates me, makes me aware of other places and ways of life. Traveling breaks many taboos and also shatters some myths. You can live very well in Spain, but there are many more places worth knowing.
Tell me the reasons that encourage you to pack your bags: disconnecting, changing the environment, or pure curiosity?
All of those you've just listed and some more. Now I've been fortunate enough to film in Italy and discover various cities through the eyes of the locals I've been working with. It's a privilege. Filming outside your country, touring with theater, is a way to share experiences slowly and profoundly. Usually, I don't rush from museum to museum when I visit places. I take my time. I also like to revisit places I've already been.
Cinema takes us to other exciting and unknown destinations. Have you traveled to a place lured by a movie?
No. But lately, I've been considering work projects that would allow me to visit places I'd hardly access as a tourist.
Did you know Almería's deserts before filming 'Living Is Easy with Eyes Closed'? What did you think of the Almerian landscape?
I didn't know them, and I loved them. Spain has incredible natural paradises. Touring with theater also allows you to visit a country as rich as ours, where the landscape changes every few kilometers.
Are you in favor of getting lost on Spanish back roads?
I get lost often. My GPS is broken, but I'm not worried. You always arrive. And when you stop to ask, you find fascinating people.
What countries would you like to visit?
I'd love to explore more of Central and South America. Starting with Mexico and then going down to Tierra del Fuego.
Should we make better use of our cinema to promote Spain?
I can't stop doing that. We in the film industry are ideal for making this happen. We are a country that embraces tourists and prepares for them to feel comfortable. It's easy to speak well of Spain regarding vacations. Institutionally, we should promote even more the exportable cultural power we have. It would generate much joy and good dividends. Spanish cultural offerings are highly regarded abroad.
What has been the trip of your life?
That trip is always yet to come. The other trips are already in my photo album and are just memories.
If you had to choose one country, which one would you pick?
It depends on the purpose. For love and living, today let's say Italy.
Your favorite city?
I really like Madrid, but I also love Barcelona. Outside of Spain, I'd choose Rome, New York, Paris, and many more.
What mode of transportation do you prefer and why?
The car. I control where I go and where I stop.
The most surprising story you've experienced during a trip?
I keep my capacity for surprise clean and ready. Recently, I filmed The Young Pope in Italy with Paolo Sorrentino, and I can tell you that the palaces, churches, and private homes I visited were an introspective journey into current Italy, through its people, that I will never forget.
What place would you choose to retire?
A house by the Mediterranean Sea.
Do you feel that there are still many interesting places to discover and others you'd return to again?
Thousands. I really like Asia. I want to go back to Japan and Australia many times; revisit all those places that captivated me; combine mountains and sea, cafes and newspapers with museums and theaters; gardens and rivers, with friends' gatherings on every corner of the world... Visit the homes of acquaintances, discover places that you think for a moment only you know, and share with love, family, and friends many sunsets by the sea and many evenings around a good dinner.
If you could travel back in time to another era, which one would you choose?
It would be beautiful to visit Pericles' Greece.
Do you think rural tourism is a good invention for many city-dwelling Spaniards to discover that almost unknown and forgotten Spain?
Absolutely. But not only for them to know that forgotten Spain, but also for little-known places in other countries. I had the opportunity to discover Sicily while traveling through rural houses, and it was magical.