To be or not to be
LUCHON Award (2021), nominated for Best Spanish Language Series at the GLAAD Awards (2022), Special Mention "Students Jury Special Price" at the PRIX Italy (2022), Best Fiction award at the ODA (2022).
TO BE OR NOT TO BE
Short Episode Series / Youth – Drama / Inclusion
S1 – 6 x 25’ / S2 – 6 x 25’
Joel, a 16-year-old trans boy, is starting high school at a new high school where no one knows him. It's been a few months since he started transitioning and with the passing he has, he already feels confident to show himself to his peers as he has always seen himself.
However, the concealment of his transition process will come into conflict with the demands of his drama teacher, who asks her students to take off all the masks they are wearing in order to get into the skin of their characters. Joel is afraid of not being accepted and also of losing the interest of Ona, a classmate, with whom he has fallen in love at first sight.
CHARACTERS:
Joel. A 16-year-old teenager who dreams of becoming a great actor. Since he was a child, Joel knew there was something about him that didn't fit, but it wasn't until his early teens when he discovered through Youtube that he was a trans boy. He is determined, responsible and very mature for his age, although lately he is a mess and feels like he is playing a role, when, in fact, it is the first time he can be himself.
Joel
Ana is Joel's mother. She is a very strong and independent woman who has been dealt several blows by life. She was widowed when her son was still a baby and two years ago she was diagnosed with breast cancer from which she is still recovering. Ana is fully supportive of her son, but suffers in silence from the fears and uncertainties that the process of his transition causes her.
Ana
Ona is a very intelligent and sensitive girl. She is short, sweet and childish, but as soon as she opens her mouth, she looks much older than she is. She would like to study playwriting and directing, but she has stage fright. Emotionally, Ona also feels very insecure until she meets Joel with whom she manages to open up completely.
Ona
Laia, Joel's best friend and his particular "Jiminy Cricket". She's beautiful, dynamic, and very self-confident, although deep down she's not so sure of herself. She is a brilliant student, works as a babysitter and also likes to party. She is successful with boys and has already had several sexual flings, although she is not interested in maintaining a stable relationship with anyone.
Laia
Ricky is Joel's best friend. He came to Barcelona from Ecuador when he was eight years old and has been singing and playing the guitar since he was very young. He is observant, delicate and discreet. He speaks very little, but everything he says is pertinent. Ricky is gay. At home, it is a taboo subject, but at his new high school he has the courage to show himself to his classmates as he is.
Ricky
CREDITS:
Directed by: Marta Pahissa
Script: Coral Cruz
Cast: Ander Puig, Anna Alarcón, Júlia Gibert, Berta Galo, Lion Armas, Eduard Torres, Enzo Oliver, Nil Carbonell, Anna Bernal
A RTVE production in collaboration with Big Bang Media (THE MEDIAPRO STUDIO)