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Pedro Almodóvar's Western Short 'Strange Way of Life' to Stream on MUBI

other · 2026-04-27

Pedro Almodóvar's new short film, 'Strange Way of Life,' will be showcased out of competition at the Cannes Film Festival. This Western stars Pedro Pascal and Ethan Hawke and marks Almodóvar's second foray into English-language films, following 'The Human Voice.' Set in the Tabernas Desert in Almería, the story follows rancher Silva as he travels to reconnect with his old friend Jake, the sheriff of Bitter Creek, after 25 years apart. Their reunion takes an unexpected twist tied to a crime. Almodóvar explains that the film's title references Amália Rodrigues's fado about the peculiarities of living against one’s desires. Italian theaters will screen it starting September 21, with an exclusive release on MUBI later. The cast features Pedro Casablanc, Manu Ríos, and others, with music by Alberto Iglesias.

Key facts

  • Pedro Almodóvar's new short film 'Strange Way of Life' is a Western.
  • It will premiere out of competition at the Cannes Film Festival.
  • The film stars Pedro Pascal and Ethan Hawke.
  • It is Almodóvar's second English-language production after 'The Human Voice'.
  • The story follows rancher Silva visiting sheriff Jake after 25 years.
  • The film is set in the Tabernas Desert in Almería, Spain.
  • Almodóvar says the title references Amália Rodrigues's fado.
  • The film will be released in Italian theaters on September 21 and then stream on MUBI.

Entities

Artists

  • Pedro Almodóvar
  • Pedro Pascal
  • Ethan Hawke
  • Pedro Casablanc
  • Manu Ríos
  • George Steane
  • José Condessa
  • Jason Fernández
  • Sara Sálamo
  • Ohiana Cueto
  • Daniela Medina
  • Alberto Iglesias
  • Amália Rodrigues

Institutions

  • Cannes Film Festival
  • MUBI

Locations

  • Tabernas Desert
  • Almería
  • Spain
  • Italy
  • Bitter Creek

Sources