Biopic Caballé brings legendary Catalan soprano's story to big screen

Filming is currently underway on Caballé, the biopic telling the life story of legendary Catalan soprano Montserrat Caballé.

Directed by Venezuelan filmmaker Patricia Ortega, the movie stars Catalan soprano Begoña Alberdi as the adult Caballé and Ana Saavedra as her younger self, capturing the singer at two pivotal stages of her life.

The film follows Caballé from her modest beginnings in post-war Barcelona to her rise as one of the world's greatest opera divas.

It alternates between her youth, shaped by family hardship and high expectations, and her prime in 1991, when, already a celebrated diva, she performs in her native Barcelona.

Shooting is taking place in Bilbao, in the Basque Country, and at key locations in Barcelona, including the Gran Teatre del Liceu, the city's famed opera house on La Rambla.

Speaking from the Liceu, Ortega reflected on the weight of portraying such a towering figure. "What would she think if she saw this film? Would she like it or not? What would she say? And of course, when I think about the fact that I'm Venezuelan, making a film about such an important woman for Spain, for Barcelona, that definitely makes me nervous," the filmmaker said. 

"From an ethical standpoint and out of human responsibility, ensuring that this jewel of a woman shines, not only as a singer but also as a human being, is something I carry very deeply."

For Alberdi, stepping into the shoes of someone she has admired her entire life was a surreal experience.

"It's been an experience I never expected up until five months ago, being able to make a film, something I had never done before, and that this film would be about the person I have admired most in my life: Montserrat Caballé," she said.

"People have told me my whole life that I look like her. Even she told me, 'You look more like my daughter than my own daughter!'"

"I've admired and adored her since I was six years old. Later I began to sing, I had talent for it, and opera became my greatest passion. Then I met her, and now I'm making a film about her life!" Alberdi said.

The opera singer made it clear however that there was no intention on her part to become Montserrat Caballé, because "there's only one."

"I may resemble her, but I am not her, nor do I have her voice."

Supporting cast members include Núria Prims, David Bages, Mercè Arànega, Marina Coma, Pep Pla, Pep Munné, and Carles Francino.

Caballé is produced by La Claqueta PC, Set Màgic Audiovisual SL, Amania Films, and No Action Capital AIE, in co-production with La Charito, EFD, and Menuetto Film, with sponsorship from Peris Costumes.

The project has the participation of 3Cat, and support from ICEC, ICAA, and Media Europa Creativa. Filmax will release the film in cinemas in Spain in 2026, while international sales will be handled by Film Factory.