Exclusive Conversation with Actress and Director Tamara Castellanos: Wrapping Up "Sábados de gloria"

A leading actress, co-director of the popular telenovela Asuntos pendientes, director of the telefilm A contraluz, and recipient of the 2023 UNEAC award, Tamara Castellanos has also earned two Caracol Awards in 2005 and 2006 for documentaries she created shortly after graduating. Add to that her recognition as a Merit Artist of Cuban television. What more can be said about Tamara Castellanos, who recently delivered one of the most talked-about telenovelas of recent times? Today, CiberCuba brings you a special interview with this talented artist.

Embarking on the "Sábados de gloria" Journey

How did Tamara Castellanos come to direct Sábados de gloria? "I was approached by the production company while preparing for another telenovela as an actress," she explains. "It was a tough decision because acting is my passion, and although I had been dabbling in directing, I didn't want directors to stop considering me for roles. But in this case, directing took precedence. Fortunately, the director of the other project understood, and that's how I embarked on this beautiful adventure of 'Sábados de gloria'."

She deliberated extensively before accepting the role, having previously co-directed Asuntos pendientes. "Filming demands time, and it meant being away from family and other projects, but my determination to tackle new challenges prevailed."

Overcoming Challenges in a Cuban Context

Given the current constraints in Cuba, how did you manage to create a show that captivated audiences so effectively? "Producing audiovisual content in this fluctuating environment is challenging. We Cubans face daily difficulties, yet there are deadlines to meet, and we must overcome these challenges to deliver a quality production. The team was dedicated to this goal, but it was complex, especially with power outages. We had to keep filming, and naturally, the lighting suffered. Concessions had to be made, impacting the production. However, thanks to the professionalism of the technical and artistic team, we found solutions and turned obstacles into achievements."

When asked about working with Paula Alí and the late Hedy Villegas, she fondly recalls, "Scenes with Paula and Hedy, who filmed 16 and 17 scenes respectively, were extensive. They delivered their lines flawlessly, and any retakes were due to technical issues, not their performances. They were perfect! Their commitment and energy were inspiring to everyone on set."

Introducing Complex Subplots

Regarding the depiction of a "trio," which is reportedly a first on Cuban television, Castellanos clarifies, "It's not a trio but a 'trieja,' and we anticipated it would be a complex subplot due to societal taboos and misinformation. During pre-production, we engaged with young people to clarify many aspects. My assistant director, Alfredo Pérez, was instrumental in this process. We ensured the actors fully understood the dynamics of a 'trieja,' and we succeeded in portraying it authentically."

"The scenes were marked by sensuality and truth, always aligned with the telenovela's central themes of love, fidelity, and respect," she adds. "These are often overlooked in favor of superficial interpretations, much like the family dynamics of Karelia or the fatherly connection of Isis' child with Eladio."

Reflecting on the Cast and Audience Reception

Cuba has an endless supply of athletes, but let's not forget the talented artists. Despite many leaving, the level of actors remains high, largely due to the skilled direction. Without compromising ethics, do you have any standout performances? "We ensured a balanced level of performance from the casting stage. Reading the script, I envisioned certain characters played by Néstor Jiménez, Bárbaro Marín, Roque Moreno, Tahimí Alvariño for Omara, and Yudexi de la Torre for Karelia. I found Yessie Guridi through Ernesto Fiallo, the co-director, and she was perfect from the start. I'm pleased with the selection and their professionalism from the table work, which is crucial."

Are you satisfied with the novel's reception? "I'm very satisfied with the novel's reception. Negative feedback will always exist, but constructive criticism is welcome for improvement. The audience has been essential, sharing comments from all over, and I believe the nostalgia for our Cuban essence—love, fidelity, and dedication—has resonated deeply. The entire team is grateful to the fans of 'Sábados de gloria.' Though we will miss it, every beginning has an end, and we achieved our goal."