The Heart's Rebellion: Marta Bassols Loza Unveils "I Always Sometimes" at Canneseries

Imagine a future, not too far off perhaps, where the most intimate decision of your life – who you love, who you share your days with – is no longer yours to make freely. Instead, it’s determined by a system, an algorithm if you will, that assigns you a partner. Pretty chilling, right? This isn't just a dystopian fantasy; it’s the intriguing premise of "I Always Sometimes" (Sempre Ocasionalment), the thought-provoking Catalan series crafted by the visionary Marta Bassols Loza, which recently made quite a splash by being selected for Canneseries.

Marta, a director and screenwriter with a passion for storytelling, really dives deep into this concept. Her series takes us to a not-so-distant 2045, where society, in its infinite wisdom, has decided that "assigned partners" are the key to stability. Gone are the days of messy breakups, unexpected sparks, and the beautiful chaos of genuine human connection, or so they think. But, as anyone with a heart knows, true love, or at least the desire for it, finds a way, doesn't it?

At its core, "I Always Sometimes" explores the journey of two individuals who are assigned partners but then find themselves drawn to others, stirring up all sorts of trouble in this supposedly harmonious society. Bassols Loza emphasizes that despite the futuristic, sci-fi backdrop, the show is intensely human. "We're not just looking at a dystopia," she explains, "we're examining how people manage their emotions when they're told who to love." It's about that innate human longing for something real, something chosen, even when the world dictates otherwise.

The series, produced by the relatively small but mighty Goroka and 3Cat (the Catalan public broadcaster), is a testament to what can be achieved with a clear vision and immense dedication. Its selection for Canneseries in the short-form competition is a huge feather in its cap, especially for an independent production aiming for a global reach. Marta highlights the incredible talent involved, from her co-writer Pol Vinyes to the entire cast and crew, all of whom poured their hearts into bringing this complex narrative to life.

Bassols Loza isn't new to the world of impactful storytelling, having previously directed the short film "Perenne," which explored the challenges of an elderly woman living with dementia. This background clearly informs her sensitive approach to "I Always Sometimes," grounding its speculative elements in deeply relatable emotional struggles. She speaks with a palpable enthusiasm about the series' ability to resonate universally, touching upon themes of free will, societal pressure, and the enduring power of personal choice.

Ultimately, "I Always Sometimes" isn't just another sci-fi show; it’s a poignant exploration of what it means to be human in a world that tries to define us. It asks us to consider whether true connection can truly be legislated, or if the heart, stubborn and resilient as it is, will always find its own path. And that, my friends, is a story worth watching.