Ian de la Rosa's inaugural feature film, “Iván & Hadoum,” made its global debut at the Berlin Film Festival's Panorama section. This cinematic creation, which delves into the complexities of human connection, originated from an unexpected inspiration: a thermal imaging scene from the 1987 science fiction classic, “Predator.” De la Rosa’s vision was to portray individuals stripped of societal judgments and physical appearances, focusing instead on their authentic inner selves. The film presents a classic romance, yet with protagonists who defy conventional categorizations, navigating a relationship challenged by socioeconomic pressures rather than issues of immigration.

“Iván & Hadoum” Unveils a Love Story Rooted in Socioeconomic Realities at Berlin Film Festival

On February 13, 2026, Spanish director Ian de la Rosa's much-anticipated debut feature, “Iván & Hadoum,” premiered in the Panorama section of the prestigious Berlin Film Festival. The film, a Spain-Germany-Belgium co-production, stars Silver Chicón and Herminia Loh as the titular characters. The genesis of this unique love story stems from an unconventional source: a scene involving thermal vision in the 1987 sci-fi thriller “Predator.”

De la Rosa revealed to Variety that the idea crystallized during a film research class. He pondered the profound implications of seeing people as they truly are internally, beyond the superficial layers of physical appearance and societal labels. This concept became the cornerstone of his narrative, aiming to present a classic love story with characters who are anything but ordinary.

The film unfolds in the bustling, fruit-and-vegetable-filled industrial greenhouses of southern Spain, where Iván, a diligent worker, falls for his new colleague, Hadoum. Their burgeoning romance faces significant challenges as Iván's ambition for professional advancement begins to strain their connection. De la Rosa emphasizes that the core conflict of the film is not immigration, but rather the pervasive issue of class struggle and the relentless pursuit of social mobility. A poignant line from Hadoum—"They exploit you the same everywhere. Only the scenery changes"—encapsulates the film's broader social commentary, illustrating how economic pressures transcend geographical boundaries and intimately affect personal relationships.

The casting of Silver Chicón and Herminia Loh was described by De la Rosa as a serendipitous alignment of stars. The director engaged in an intensive, two-month rehearsal period with the actors before filming, focusing on character development and fostering an atmosphere of trust and emotional authenticity. Their personal life experiences were instrumental in imbuing the story with profound emotional credibility, ultimately creating the undeniable chemistry visible on screen.

Financing for “Iván & Hadoum” was a complex undertaking, drawing support from various territories. Producers Stefan Schmitz of Avalon recounted the project's journey through European co-production networks, noting an early triumph with the Eurimage Coproduction Award in Berlin. While subsequent Eurimage funding proved elusive, strong backing from Spanish partners like Pecado Films and support from Canal Sur, Junta de Andalucía, ICAA, TVE, and Movistar Plus+ solidified the Spanish portion. Belgian co-producers Saga Film also played a crucial role. Despite the challenges of securing German financing, the involvement of Arte significantly bolstered the project.

De la Rosa maintained his creative autonomy throughout the co-production process, affirming that the diverse partnerships ultimately enhanced the film's production quality without compromising his artistic vision. For Avalon, “Iván & Hadoum” marks another successful premiere at the Berlin Film Festival, following acclaimed productions such as “Summer 1993,” “Matria,” and “Alcarràs,” further cementing Ian de la Rosa’s promising future as a filmmaker.

This film masterfully intertwines an intimate love story with sharp social critique. De la Rosa's decision to prioritize class dynamics over immigration themes offers a refreshing and potent perspective on human ambition and the societal structures that shape our lives. The film's core message—that the drive to climb the social ladder often becomes the primary obstacle to genuine connection and happiness—resonates deeply. It challenges viewers to look beyond superficial differences and consider the universal struggles that bind us, making "Iván & Hadoum" a compelling watch that sparks reflection on our own values and societal aspirations.