Spanish filmmaker Miguel Ángel Jiménez is stepping into deeply provocative territory with his next feature film, partnering with AF Films for a new project that explores racism, identity, and youth radicalization. Following his work on The Birthday Party, Jiménez is now developing a film titled Hijos del Miedo, a story that aims to dive into the psychology of a young man caught in a cycle of anger, ideology, and self-destruction.
The film centers on Salva, a young man drawn toward far-right extremism. His life is defined by routine and frustration, balancing a job he dislikes, caring for his grandfather, and spending nights with a volatile group of friends. His internal conflict escalates into violence when he assaults an immigrant, forcing him to flee and confront the consequences of his actions.
Seeking refuge in southern Spain, Salva hides out in the home of a family acquaintance who remains unaware of his past. It is here, surrounded by a tense social atmosphere and harsh environmental conditions, that he meets Cherry, a woman who begins to challenge his beliefs and forces him to question his identity.
What sets this project apart is its narrative approach. Rather than judging its central character from a distance, Jiménez has expressed a desire to tell the story from within Salva’s perspective. The filmmaker has acknowledged that this choice may be controversial, but he believes it is necessary to create an honest portrayal of how radicalization takes root among young people.
The story aims to explore the underlying frustrations that fuel extremist thinking, including feelings of displacement, social pressure, and resistance to evolving societal norms such as feminism, immigration, and LGBTQ+ rights. Instead of simplifying these issues, the film intends to examine them with nuance, focusing on understanding rather than condemnation.
For AF Films, the project aligns with its vision of backing stories that confront difficult realities. The company has built a reputation for supporting bold, thought-provoking cinema, often working across international markets to bring complex narratives to life.
With Hijos del Miedo, both Jiménez and AF Films appear committed to creating a film that does not offer easy answers, but instead invites audiences to reflect on the forces shaping modern society.
In an era where conversations around identity and radicalization continue to grow more urgent, this project positions itself as a timely and potentially challenging addition to contemporary cinema.