The film project The If in Life, crafted by the young screenwriter Nancy Cañada, is currently in a pivotal phase of financing after years of development and a rigorous selection process by Angel Studios.
Promoted alongside her father, Benjamín Cañada, the production aims to commence filming in Spain in the coming months, contingent upon securing the remaining budget.
Nancy conceived the idea a decade ago while pursuing her studies in screenwriting, driven by a desire to create narratives infused with a Christian message. Her education at the Vancouver Film School allowed her to hone her skills, resulting in several screenplays that showcased her talent.
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Among her works, The If in Life stood out, receiving commendations from her instructors as a project with exceptional potential, as Nancy and Benjamín shared in an interview with Spanish news outlet Protestante Digital.
The film delves into the emotional and spiritual ramifications of incessantly comparing ourselves to others, particularly in the realm of social media. Nancy articulates that the narrative features characters grappling with envy, resentment, and frustration, all while navigating themes of forgiveness and illness.
“It’s not just a problem for young people; it affects adults and children too. We wanted to remind people that every life has a purpose and that we don’t need to compare ourselves to others,” Nancy emphasizes.
The feature film is structured in three acts and is part of a broader narrative project that includes both a prequel and a sequel, both of which have already been penned.
To pitch the idea to Angel Studios, the team produced a ten-minute pilot film in Madrid, utilizing limited resources. Both Nancy and Benjamín are evangelical Christians and active members of Calvary Baptist Church, which has supported them throughout the project’s journey.
The short film was crafted in a traditional manner, relying on close contacts and collaborators who joined the initiative out of personal conviction. Filmed in Madrid over just a few days, it featured locations provided at no cost, including a historic building where Benjamín had previously worked, along with actors who traveled from the United States and a small technical crew.
Nancy wore multiple hats during production, taking on roles as director, screenwriter, and even stepping in as an actor when needed. The family describes this experience as “a great challenge” but also “a succession of open doors,” marking the transition of the project from a mere concept to a professional production.
Once completed, the short film was showcased at Angel Guild, a community of subscribers to the Angel Studios platform who support film projects aligned with shared values. Despite competing against more expensive productions, Benjamín noted, “we needed 70% positive votes, and we got them.”
The project subsequently attracted the interest of Methos Media, which connected them with Onza, a Spanish production company renowned for its expertise in television series and fiction. They signed a contract with Onza that ensures they maintain control over the film’s content.
The producers are optimistic about releasing the film in Spanish cinemas, with aspirations for an international launch. What began as a simple university project has evolved into a vision that Nancy believes can reach far beyond its initial scope. “We no longer dream small. After everything that’s happened, we believe it can go very far,” she asserts.
The plan is to secure financing in the upcoming months, followed by pre-production, casting, and filming in Spain before the year concludes, aiming for a summer 2027 release.
The estimated budget for the feature film exceeds two million euros. Currently, the team reports having secured just over half of the necessary funding and is actively seeking to raise the remainder within a 90-day timeframe.
If they achieve this independently, Nancy will direct the film with full creative control. Otherwise, the production company may seek external investors, which could expedite production but potentially limit that control.
To facilitate donations, they have established a fundraising campaign through the Methos Foundation. This platform channels funding for social and cultural projects in Spain, offering favorable conditions for making contributions.
Published in: Evangelical Focus – culture
– ‘The If in Life’: A Christian project born in Madrid aims to reach cinemas worldwide
