The interview with Tamar Novas (Santiago de Compostela, 39 years old) had two stages. The first was at the Brunetti cafeteria in Madrid where he arrived, bought a package of flour to make pizzas and, after a hug, said: “Well, you tell me what you want me to talk to you about.” Because he had been talking for weeks about a role that now seems somewhat distant, that of Xoel, his character in the film Roundsfor which he was nominated for supporting actor at the Goya. The second, this time in the form of a telephone conversation, was to talk about what he has to do now, once the gala is over: the filming of the series Ardora (Movistar+), the promotion of Miguel, his character in walking with the devilwhich premieres the day after tomorrow, and go to the Malaga festival. “I have the feeling of living in a simulation,” he says.
Ask. Why do you say it?
Answer. You see how the world is, the news of the last few days and everything seems like a kind of entertainment. It’s a strange thing where I feel absolutely privileged. At the Goya I have been very happy, I have had a great time and I have been happy to experience it with my parents, my brother and with Daniel Sánchez Arévalo (director of Rounds). It has been exciting and I feel proud to be part of a union that decides not to remain silent and not close its eyes to what is happening, although all we make is movies, no more, no less. It is not about scoring a merit, but about realizing that all this can come back to us.
P. They say about Rounds which is a feelgood movieso that we feel better. Maybe it’s the balm we need.
R. In the times we live in, without a doubt. Let’s say it’s a movie little girlthe kind that gives you a hug. When I read the script I was very excited, because I saw the comedy part of the story, and going from the ridiculous to the profound in a single scene… It also touches on screwed up issues, like grief, which is a stage in which many things happen, including moments of laughter.
I didn’t say I was an actor until I saw myself on a professional stage. “I was always embarrassed”
P. When you’re down, do you get in the mood or do you turn inward?
R. Well, I’m Galician, so it depends (smiles). Every time I use more and more cynicism to avoid suffering, I look for the lighter side of things. As I am a person who tends to introspect, it helps me to think that life is outside, and that the people who can help you, too. I have experienced moments of grief that I have survived thanks to therapy.
P. He was 11 years old when he did The language of butterflies. Then, out to sea At 17, did he freak out?
R. Potentially it could have happened. With The language of butterflies It was more like an anecdote, because it lasted a summer and then I went back to school. With out to sea I was about to go to university, because I wanted to be a film director, journalist or publicist, like those in Mad Menthose in charge of making jokes. In the film I already had a captain like Bardem, who is the opposite of freaking out when it comes to working, who makes it very clear to you. Both he and Celso Bugallo gave me talks, not because they saw anything, but because they wanted to anticipate. My family has also been my grounding. I remember when I was nominated for out to sea I told my mother about it and her response was: “Well, what about the selectivity?” I didn’t say I was an actor until I saw myself on a professional stage. I had always been very shy.
P. Are you one of those who pay attention to the news?
R. I am quite voracious with information. I live it not so much as part of my job, but because I believe that you have to be connected to the world. I am very aware that I don’t like what is happening, but to feel that way you need to be informed. Then there are things that comfort me, and I am very proud of my land, that thanks to the pressure of our community a project is going to be closed (a pulp mill in Lugo) that threatened our rivers, our forests, and it is those things that give one a little hope.