New Spanish Comedy 'Haciendo Amigos' Blends Humor with Social Inclusion

The Spanish film Haciendo amigos hits theaters this Friday, offering a story that goes beyond simple comedy to explore themes of social integration. Directed by David Marqués—known for co-writing the hit Campeones—the movie was filmed across Madrid and Fuerteventura. A key feature of the production is its inclusive cast, which brings together professional actors and performers with intellectual disabilities to help break down barriers.

The screenplay was written by Tenerife native Marta González de Vega, who also appears in the film. A recipient of the Taburiente and S. S. Venture awards, González de Vega uses the premise of a bank robbery to challenge how the audience perceives others. The film stars Antonio Resines and Quim Gutiérrez, whose on-screen chemistry is central to balancing the story’s humor with its more sensitive, dramatic moments.

The film reflects a growing trend in Spanish cinema: using comedy to tackle complex social issues. For González de Vega, humor is not just for entertainment; it is a powerful tool to lower defenses and encourage viewers to think more freely. This philosophy is consistent with her wide-ranging career, which spans successful stage plays on Madrid’s Gran Vía, literature, and radio.

The production team spent significant time living together while filming in the Canary Islands, an experience the screenwriter says was essential for total immersion in the story. She notes that while writing books allows for deep introspection, writing for film requires turning those ideas into natural dialogue and action. Under Marqués’s direction, the film aims for genuine performances from its diverse cast, resulting in a movie that invites the audience to reflect on its message long after the laughter fades.