Lazaro's Girlfriend

Born in Madrid, Spain. He began his film career in the eighties and taught himself with his own super 8 camera. After winning several awards in film festivals, including a first prize in the national festival of super 8 in Spain, he graduated in film and drama, taking courses in directing, editing and filmmaking, as well as a Masters in screenwriting at the University Autónoma of Madrid. He has worked as a screenwriter, director, actor, producer and editor. So far he has produced and directed numerous short films, including the multi award-winning and internationally recognised “Talk to me softly” (2005), as well as seven feature films.

He not only directed but also played the main character in “Los hijos del viento" (Children of the Wind) (1995), which competed for the Camera d’Or in the International Critics Week at Cannes Film Festival.

His second film "Agujetas en el alma” (Soul-ache) (1997), won an award at the Eninci of Burgos.

His first documentary film “Casting” (1998), won an award at the Festival of Alcala de Henares.

“La novia de Lázaro” (Lazaro’s girlfriend) (2002), was awarded best actress in Spanish Film Festival Malaga, and received the audience award at the International Festival of Poor Cinema of Gibara, Cuba.

“Las huellas de Dylan” (Dylan’s tracks) (2006), is a documentary about Bob Dylan which had a large presence at national and international film festivals.

“Un millón de amigos” (One Million friends) (2007) was the surprise movie of the Spanish Film Festival Malaga.

“El viaje de Penélope” (Penelope’s journey) (2010) is a loose adaptation of Homer’s Odyssey brought to our days.

Merinero also produced “A Lucky Day” (2001), directed by Sandra Gugliotta, Argentinian-Spanish co-production, premiered at the International Film Festival Berlin 2002.

The prestigious Circulo de Bellas Artes of Madrid featured a retrospective about him in 2008, screening all his film works. Merinero has been also part of the jury at numerous national and international film festivals, as well as professor of filmmaking at Paul Alvort’s film workshop and at Camilo José Cela University.