The film debuts Out-of-Competition in theCannesPremiere section on Monday.
The film follows a famous Spanish actor, Julio Arenas, who disappears while shooting a film.
Aged eight, she accompanied leading Spanish filmmaker Carlos Saura on the Croisette to debut their punchy dramaCria Cuervos.
Ana Torrent.Oscar Gonzalez/NurPhoto via Getty Images.
Torrent was the films lead alongside Geraldine Chaplin.
The pic went on to win the Grand Prix prize from Tennessee Williamss jury.
Saura died last year following a short illness.
DEADLINE:Do you remember the process of being cast and working on The Spirit of the Beehive?
ANA TORRENT:I remember meeting Victor for the first time.
He was standing around during recess at my school, taking pictures of me and other girls.
He was traveling around many schools to find a young girl to cast.
I remember telling my parents that some man is taking pictures of me at school.
Then they called on me one day while I was in class and mentioned the movie.
I also remember some things from the shoot: the atmosphere, the sounds, the lights.
It wasnt a difficult process because it wasnt acting.
I never considered myself an actress.
I was just playing myself, a child, and they gave me instructions.
I wasnt conscious of acting at all, and I didnt understand what I was doing.
It was just like a big mysterious game.
DEADLINE:At what point in your career do you think you became an actress?
TORRENT:It was much later.
My role inThe Spirit of the Beehivewas a coincidence.
I would have never chosen to be an actress myself.
And my family had nothing to do with the film world.
I was a shy and reserved person.
I wasnt like the other kids that wanted to perform in the theatre.
Again it was thanks to Victor.
I wasnt sure, and he asked if I thought about acting and recommended I take some acting classes.
I began classes around 17, and thats when I knew I wanted to do this for a living.
Why was this project interesting to you?
TORRENT:I was doing theatre a year ago, and Victor came to see me.
We went out for dinner, and he told me he had this script.
I was so emotionally moved by the script.
I dont think I would have ever doubted or questioned whether to work with him again.
I never thought of this movie as a job.
It felt like a full-circle moment.
It felt like my life made sense after 50 years.
As I said, I wouldnt have been an actress if it wasnt for Victor.
DEADLINE:You were last in Cannes in 1976 with Carlos Sauras Cria Cuervos.
What does it feel like coming back after all this time?
TORRENT:I feel very excited.
I am very excited that I went with Saura and now I can go back with Erice.
Thats something very special.
DEADLINE:Carlos Saura died last year.
What do you remember about working with him as a child actor?
And what is his lasting legacy?
TORRENT:In terms of Spanish cinema, he was such an important figure.
He is fundamental in the story of Spanish cinema.
We had a very nice relationship.
He was very warm and sweet.
I loved him, and he loved me.
I have wonderful memories of working with him.
I was lucky to work with Carlos and Victor early in my career.
They were both very respectful and had an honest interest in kids.
I felt very supported, and they made me feel like it was okay to be myself.
DEADLINE:Youve worked in the industry for decades.
Whats the biggest change youve witnessed?
TORRENT:Its a different world.
Everything has changed in how the industry works: Who decides what is made or not?
Who has the power to choose?
Where is the place of the producer?
Where is the place of the director?
Its a completely different industry.
DEADLINE:Do you think Spanish cinema is in a better place than it was when you started?
TORRENT:It always changes in waves.
Right now, were in a very good moment.
I see a lot of talent and especially women.
People have been talking about that a lot because its true.
There are now many important Spanish women directors telling stories from different points of view.
DEADLINE:Whats next for you?
TORRENT:Im currently voicing a character in English for a childrens cartoon.
Im finishing that project next month after a year.
Its been a lot of fun.
I have a couple more movies to open this year.
I dont know if that will happen, but I will keep doing my best.
