My Final Major Project for my BA in Graphic Design Communication at University of the arts London (UAL) consists of a documentary about my father’s life, Eduardo Chillida Belzunce. He is a Spanish artist, and his works span all types of mediums, from painting with oil on different surfaces to pencil or ink to sculpting on small and big scales.
It aims to get to know Eduardo Chillida Belzunce as a person as well as an artist. We get to do this through an intimate conversation between father and daughter in Spanish (our native language), where I ask him about his artistic journey from a young age to nowadays.
Nevertheless, the footage not only showcases his artistic journey but also highlights the profound impact of a life-altering motorcycle accident he experienced as a teenager.
The title of the documentary is “Hacia la luz” which translates to; “Towards the light” referencing that, despite the challenges, Eduardo’s unwavering determination and passion for art propelled him to overcome adversity and continue his creative pursuits.

I believe this story deserves to be told because my father’s story is an amazing example of resilience of the human spirit and the transformative power of art. His ability to rise above physical and emotional challenges to achieve artistic excellence is an inspiring narrative that resonates with both art enthusiasts and the general audience.
The documentary aims to provide an intimate look into his life, exploring the balance between personal struggle and artistic expression, and offering a unique perspective on the relationship between trauma and creativity.
The film begins with a montage of Eduardo’s hometown and his journey to his studio, with us setting up for the interview. It briefly covers his early life in Spain, his first sculptures, and his developing style, using archival footage and photos. It then retells the motorcycle accident that left him partly paralyzed and his subsequent recovery, highlighting his journey to relearn how to speak, walk, and paint left-handed. The film explores his post-recovery artworks, his major supporters in life, and his contributions to the art world, concluding with a heartfelt moment of pride from us, his children, and closing credits with photos of him and me.
This documentary uses a mix of storytelling techniques, including an in-depth interview, archival footage, and dynamic visuals of Eduardo’s artwork. The film’s narrative is driven by Eduardo’s voice and my own, offering a personal and authentic retelling of his experiences. Cinematic techniques, such as sequences of his artistic process and extreme close-up shots capturing the texture and detail of his sculptures and brushes on the canvas will immerse viewers in his creative world.
“Hacia la luz” is more than a biographical film; it is an exploration of the indomitable human spirit and the profound connection between life experiences and artistic expression. By documenting Eduardo’s remarkable journey, the film aims to inspire audiences to find strength in adversity and appreciate the healing power of creativity.