Vencer o Morir tells the story of the FPMR, which was established in defiance of all oppression during Pinochet’s dictatorship, along with its historic actions and commanders. What did it make you think and feel to be part of a production that tells the story of this period and these events?
Pedro Fontaine: At first, I thought “woah, this is going to be controversial!” Which I like! I love thought-provoking stories. I always feel a deep sense of gratitude when I come into contact with a character and a story that I want to play. I guess that comes from the belief that stories can help shape the world and the way we relate to each other. And that is a beautiful gift to be in touch with.
You portray Ignacio Valenzuela, an engineer and one of the most important commanders of the FPMR. Were there any challenges in portraying such a historically significant figure?
Pedro Fontaine: It was very inspiring for me to play a character who, despite playing a key role in this story, isn’t very well known. So I felt the responsibility to investigate and to honor his ideals and his actions, from a place of deep empathy.
Did you do any specific research or have any special meetings while preparing for the role?
Pedro Fontaine: Yes. I tend to do a lot of homework. I think one of the most significant things I came across is a book called Ignacio Valenzuela, fundador del Frente Patriótico Manuel Rodríguez, by Adriana Pohorecky. That book was written by his own mother, and it features a collection of testimonies that she gathered from Ignacio’s comrades, whom she never met. It was very impactful for me to discover Ignacio through the most loving eyes of all: those of his mother.
Vencer o Morir has many action scenes, and you’re in most of them. How did you prepare for these scenes?
Pedro Fontaine: We had training sessions and choreography lessons. We had a specific director for the action sequences as well, Ernesto Diaz. And he gave us a lot of guidance as well. Also, I love movies and grew up loving action movies, so I guess I steal some from them as well.
Many actors dream of portraying a historical or fictional character from their own country or literature. Do you have such a dream? Is there a particular character you’d love to portray at some point in your career?
Pedro Fontaine: It might sound absurd, but I have many. From George Michael (the pop star) to the Chilean writer Robert Bolaño.
