About The Filmmaker

James Rogan is an award-winning filmmaker who works in fiction, documentary and commercials on both sides of the Atlantic.

His fiction work includes the acclaimed short film The Open Doors starring Michael Sheen, Janusz with Marcin Dorocinski and his debut feature Dead Bolt Dead.

His documentary work includes the Grierson Award-shortlisted Blog Wars for BBC Storyville and the Sundance Channel. He directed the hugely popular Warship series for ITV/Channel 5 and recently made the film Gypsy Cab for the documentary feature Cinetrain 2009.

James has also contributed to advertising campaigns for HSBC, The Mayor of London and Honda. He won the Midsummer Award for Best New Commercials Director in 2007.

Summary

In 1963, Justo Gallego Martinez laid the foundation stone for a cathedral. The former monk had no construction experience or architectural training just an unshakeable faith in his creator. Locals watched with bemusement and scorn, dubbing him “El Loco de la Iglesia” (the madman of the church).

Nearly fifty years later he is still building and his ragged pile of bricks has evolved into one of the most striking achievements of our time.

Questionaire

How did you find your contributors?

I found Justo during a research trip to Madrid when I was writing a film set in Spain about a small community that was losing its faith. Laura Rodriguez (who I eventually persuaded to produce the documentary) took me to Justo's cathedral in Mejorada del Campo and I realised I had stumbled across a documentary project that reflected many of the questions I was addressing in my feature. I went back with a camera and started making the film. Justo rarely lets anyone film him for an extended period of time so I had to work hard to earn his trust.

Did you have a moment where you nearly gave up? What was it?

Justo's relationship to us would change dramatically from visit to visit. One visit I had brought a cameraman from Poland. It was 40 degrees in the shade and Justo was mumbling as he worked. Suddenly he erupted in anger and accused me of cheating him and selling footage behind his back (which was untrue). He threw us out of the cathedral. I went back several times but he was adamant I had done something wrong. Eventually, I showed him extracts of what I had shot. He liked it so much, he allowed me to continue working.

Did you use the film as a launch pad to a longer film on the same subject?

This documentary has become a companion piece to the feature I have been working on. The theme has informed my fiction work. One day, I may return to it and think of turning it into a fiction feature.

What's been the best thing about having made the film?

The best thing is that I am proud of it. It reflects quietly in its own way a question that has recurred for me about determination and faith. I am not sure I could put it into words, so I am grateful the film somehow says it. The best moment was showing Justo the final film. It was like watching someone who had never been to the cinema before see his life reflected back at him. He smiled and laughed like a child, even at moments I thought he would not like. I have never seen a contributor so lit up by the experience of seeing his work reflected on film.