Fernando Esteso’s Mallorcan Connections: Filming Locations and Lasting Collaborations
The Spanish entertainment world mourns the passing of Fernando Esteso, who died on February 1, 2024, at age 80. The beloved actor maintained special ties with Mallorca throughout his career – both through professional film projects and personal visits that created lasting memories on the island.
The 1979 Mallorca Film Shoot
Esteso’s most significant Mallorcan project occurred in November 1979 when he traveled to the island to film exterior scenes for The Energetic. This comedy reunited the successful team from Los bingueros, including co-star Andres Pajares under director Mariano Ozores’ supervision.
Fernando Esteso arrives at Palma airport with his family. / Torrelló
Production specifically sought Mallorca’s Mediterranean landscapes, filming key sequences along Palma’s promenade and at the Valparaíso hotel. Local newspaper reports from the period document how Esteso worked alongside notable co-stars including Antonio Ozores, Sara Mora, Ricardo Merino, Florinda Chico, and Paco Camoira during this Balearic shoot.
Beyond Professional Visits: Family Time on the Island
Esteso’s Mallorcan connections extended beyond film sets. Industry colleagues confirm the actor frequently vacationed on the island with his family, drawn to its beaches and cultural offerings. These personal visits created lasting memories that complemented his professional experiences.
Late-Career Mallorcan Collaborations
Decades after his initial Mallorcan film work, Esteso formed an artistic partnership with acclaimed Mallorcan director Agustí Villaronga. Their collaboration began with 2017’s historical drama Incerta glòria (Uncertain Glory), where Esteso’s performance contributed to the film’s Goya Award nomination for Best Adapted Screenplay.
Agustí Villaronga and Fernando Esteso, in the promotion of ‘Incerta glòria’, in 2017. / ANDREU DALMAU
Their creative partnership concluded with 2022’s Loli Tormenta, which marked the final film appearance for both artist and director before their respective passings. This poignant collaboration bookended Esteso’s four-decade relationship with Mallorcan cinema, from his early comedies to mature dramatic roles.
A Lasting Cinematic Legacy
Esteso’s Mallorcan filmography reflects the island’s evolution as a production location – from 1970s comedies capitalizing on its Mediterranean visuals to 21st century auteur projects. Film historians note how his work with both Mariano Ozores and Agustí Villaronga demonstrates remarkable artistic range across Spanish cinema’s comedic and dramatic traditions.
As the Balearic film community remembers Esteso, his multiple Mallorcan projects stand as testament to an artist who continually rediscovered the island’s creative potential throughout his career.
Source: Diario de Mallorca
Images Credit: www.diariodemallorca.es