VIFF 2021 INTERVIEW | A Discussion With "Father Pablo" (Padre Pablo) Writer/Director José Luis Isoard and Lead Actor Rafael Martínez Sánchez

Being in-person at the Vancouver International Film Festival opened the opportunity for me to talk with filmmakers in-person again. In this interview, I sat down with the writer and director of Father Pablo (Padre Pablo) José Luis Isoard Arrubarrena and lead actor Rafael Martínez Sánchez from Mexico City, Mexico to discuss the film.

Father Pablo tells the story of a young and inexperienced priest confronted with a spiritually difficult situation. His father, whose health and relationship with Pablo have both deteriorated, has requested illegal administration of euthanasia with the help of his caretaker. His one request is that Pablo as a priest absolves the caretaker of this action afterwards - a duty that Pablo strongly opposes.

Father Pablo is José’s feature film directorial debut, with the film making its world premiere here at VIFF. He explains in this interview that his approach to the film is less plot oriented and more character driven, so audiences are taken on a personal journey of introspection alongside Pablo as he struggles to find empathy for his father. José and Rafael, who plays Father Pablo, also talks with Thomas about cinematography choices, their career in filmmaking, and their experience visiting Vancouver for the festival.

This interview took place at the Vancouver Playhouse, which was gracious enough to lend them a private room to host the conversation.