Embracing Emotional Depth: Pablo Berger's Journey into Animation with "Robot Dreams"

In 2018, director Pablo Berger found inspiration for his next project in an unexpected place: the graphic novel "Robot Dreams" by Sara Varon. Upon rereading the story of a dog and a robot separated by circumstance, Berger was deeply moved by its poignant exploration of friendship's fragility. Determined to capture this emotional depth in his work, Berger embarked on the challenge of adapting the graphic novel into an animated film.

Despite having a background in live-action filmmaking, with acclaimed works like "Torremolinos 73," "Abracadabra," and Spain's Academy Award submission "Blancanieves," Berger embraced the opportunity to venture into animation. He recognized the misconception that animation is exclusively for children, viewing it instead as a versatile storytelling medium suitable for audiences of all ages. Drawing parallels to acclaimed animated films like "Persepolis," "The Triplets of Belleville," and Studio Ghibli's repertoire, Berger emphasized that animation offers a diverse range of narratives that resonate with both young and adult viewers.

For Berger, creating "Robot Dreams" was a labor of love, devoid of any concessions aimed at catering solely to children. He approached the project with a commitment to authenticity and emotional depth, prioritizing the integrity of the story above targeting a specific demographic. Moving forward, Berger remains open to further explorations in animation, embracing its potential as a medium for nuanced storytelling that transcends age boundaries.