Basque producer Xabi Zabaleta is celebrating the premiere at the Velodrome of the first episode of the new season of ‘Go!azen’ at the San Sebastian Festival, a phenomenon that has continued to captivate young audiences for more than fifteen years on air. In addition to steering this hit series, Zabaleta is also behind ‘Gone Boy’, the acclaimed Netflix drama now preparing for a possible second season.

‘Go!azen’ is entering a new season. Did you expect such a warm reception from the audience?
The truth is that everything ‘Go!azen’ has achieved has surpassed any dream we might have had. It all began with a film back in 2008, and at that time the challenge was to find boys and girls who could sing, dance and act. Then we faced the big question of how audiences would respond. What nobody could have imagined was that in 2025 we’d still be here (with a break between 2009 and 2016) and, even less so, presenting at the Velodrome.

What do you think has been key to the show’s long-running success?
I suppose it’s a mix of factors. On the one hand, the music in Basque connects generations and allows the youngest viewers to come into the series through that route, while the older ones stay for the storyline. Then there’s the closeness factor: fans can see the protagonists up close, go to their concerts… There’s a whole universe surrounding the series that helps make ‘Go!azen’ more than just the 12 episodes of each season. I also believe that the themes we address, and the values we convey, help ensure that everything related to ‘Go!azen’ is warmly welcomed at home.

How has the show changed since its first seasons?
I think the main evolution has come from our awareness that we were reaching a wide audience and had a certain ability to convey something more than simple entertainment. With their support, and encouraged by ETB, we’ve gone on to tackle a wide range of topics that are not usually addressed in international series aimed at this audience.

What is the most challenging part of producing a series aimed at a young audience?
Always keeping in mind who we’re making the series for. Sometimes we forget and use references our audience doesn’t know, and we have to make an effort to refocus. Then, since our audience spans a broad age range — especially as at that stage even a difference of a couple of years makes itself felt — we tend to create storylines, jokes and songs for different ages, fully aware that not everyone will understand everything all the time.

How would you assess the cultural impact that ‘Go!azen’ has had in the Basque Country?
We’re delighted. I think we’re doing our bit to promote and support music in Basque. At the same time, we’re a platform, an opportunity for all the young boys and girls who want to go into acting. And I firmly believe we’re also helping to encourage the use of Basque beyond the school environment. Viewers who watch the series talk about it, and that leads them to have conversations in Basque. But it’s not just the series — we’re committed to supporting reading habits as well: we publish magazines and books, we put on concerts… As a father, I believe it’s important to create events and materials in Basque that go beyond the school setting.

What new developments does this season bring?
As in every season, we’re introducing a good number of new characters, each with their own stories and secrets. What’s more, Basakabi will undergo a major change that will shape the course of the season.

What does taking part in the upcoming edition of the San Sebastian Festival mean for you?
For us, it’s undeniably incredibly valuable. Being at the Zinemaldi, in a cinema like the Velodrome, and seeing the fans’ reactions is spectacular — it really gives meaning to everything I mentioned before. The first time we took part, in 2023, we thought it would be something special to mark the tenth season. It was a dream: everything went amazingly, and we thought we’d always remember it as something unique. The surprise came when we returned last year and the tickets sold out even faster, with the audience’s reaction still fantastic. And now this year, not only are we back at the Velodrome, but we’re doing it for two days!

What can we expect from your presence there? I suppose it’ll be a lovely experience, won’t it?
We’ll be presenting the first episode at the Velodrome with all the actors in attendance, who will also dance in front of the audience. This year, there’s also another very special event at Urbil, where, in addition to watching the episode, we’ll encourage fans to ‘sing along’. We’ll display the song lyrics so that everyone — protagonists and audience alike — can watch the episode and sing together. It will be the first time we’ve done something like this, so we’re very excited. These are wonderful days for the whole team and particularly impactful for the actors who are making their debut with us. We hope we can return for many years to come.

Are you working on any other projects? Could you share a little hint about them?
We’re really happy with how ‘Gone Boy’ turned out, and we’re thinking about a second season — but we’ll only go ahead if everyone involved agrees that we’re happy with what we have. At the same time, I’m working on a film script, and at the production company we’re also working on a documentary.