Palme d'Or Winner Juanjo Giménez to Direct 'Pínkala,' a Supernatural Love Story
Renowned Spanish filmmaker Juanjo Giménez, celebrated for his Palme d'Or-winning short film "Timecode" and an Academy Award nomination, is embarking on a new cinematic venture. His upcoming feature film, titled "Pínkala," is slated to begin shooting in July in the picturesque city of Vigo, Spain. This eagerly anticipated project, a supernatural love story, promises to delve into themes of connection and isolation through a unique narrative lens. The film features Pol López in a starring role and is a collaborative production involving Frida Films, M-Films (Lithuania), and Uma Pedra no Sapato (Portugal), with BTeam Pictures overseeing its distribution in Spain.
Supernatural Romance Blossoms in Vigo: Juanjo Giménez's "Pínkala" Enters Production
In May 2026, the filmmaking world buzzed with the announcement that acclaimed Spanish director Juanjo Giménez Peña, a recipient of the prestigious Palme d'Or for his 2016 short film "Timecode," was set to direct his latest feature, "Pínkala." This supernatural love story, starring Pol López, will commence filming in July in the captivating Galician city of Vigo, Spain. The film centers on Sam, a luthier burdened by the extraordinary ability to perceive the ceaseless thoughts of others, leading to profound emotional isolation. His life takes an unexpected turn when he encounters Alicia, a former dancer who, after overcoming an illness, possesses the remarkable capacity to genuinely connect with him. Giménez describes the film as, at its core, "a love story. A supernatural match."
This project has been a long-gestating passion for Giménez, with the initial script predating his work on "Timecode" by over a decade. "It's been in development for 10 or 11 years," he revealed. Giménez, based in Barcelona, has cultivated a strong international reputation through both his feature and short films. His previous feature, "Tres" ("Out of Sync," 2012), garnered critical acclaim, premiering at esteemed festivals such as Venice and Toronto, and collecting numerous accolades including the Méliès d'Argent and a Goya Award. "Pínkala" also marks another collaboration with Frida Films, known for recent titles like "Titanic Ocean." BTeam Pictures, with a track record of distributing acclaimed Spanish films like "Los Domingos" (2025) and "Sirat" (2025), will handle the domestic release. The director emphasized that Vigo, a city where he has previously filmed, will be more than just a setting, evolving into a character itself within the narrative. The film is currently slated for an international release in 2027.
The announcement of "Pínkala" offers a compelling reminder of the power of storytelling to explore profound human experiences through imaginative narratives. Juanjo Giménez's dedication to this project over a decade underscores a deep artistic commitment. His exploration of a supernatural love story, where a unique gift leads to isolation and ultimately, to an extraordinary connection, resonates with the universal desire for understanding and belonging. The choice of Vigo as a "character" in the film also highlights how location can transcend mere backdrop, becoming an integral part of a story's emotional landscape. This production promises to be a thoughtful and visually engaging cinematic experience, offering audiences a fresh perspective on love, empathy, and the hidden depths of human consciousness.
