Johnny Depp expresses admiration for 'Minimata' protagonist at Catalan capital's BCN Film Fest

One of the highlights of the Catalan capital's BCN Film Fest, which strives to revive an industry left reeling by the pandemic, was the much-anticipated presence of US actor Johnny Depp.

Speaking to the media on Friday, Depp expressed his admiration for the late W. Eugene Smith, the American photojournalist he portrays in his most recent movie, 'Minamata'.

In the film, Smith documents the effects of severe mercury poisoning on the population of the southern Japanese city of Minamata.

"Every time he took a photograph, for sure, the things that he was seeing and living through killed a little bit of his soul every day," Depp said.

On a more light-hearted note, Depp also joked about wanting to stay in Barcelona and, more specifically, at the upscale Hotel Casa Fuster where Friday's press conference took place.

"I've come here a couple of times and it's always been too quick of a trip so that's why I've decided to stay here forever now, in this hotel," he said, adding that he would only leave once "they bring other people in."

Fifth edition of BCN Film Fest

The fifth edition of the BCN Film Fest kicked off on Thursday, with tickets available from as little as €2.90.

The 2021 festival will last until April 23 and will be held in person after a year of mostly online events across the world.

Cines Verdi in the neighborhood of Gràcia will host many of the screenings, while others will also take place in the Institut Français, the CaixaForum, and Casa Seat.