Federico Luppi, Argentina's most internationally renowned actor, began shooting his directorial debut in Spain last week.

Written by Luppi's wife Susana Abascal, the drama titled Pasos is co-produced by San Sebastian-based Igeldo Communicaciones. Igeldo also co produced Chilean drama B Happy, set to have its European premiere in the Berlinale's Forum sidebar.

Luppi is shooting Pasos in Rioja, the birthplace of Abascal, and in San Sebastian where he won his best actor award from the San Sebastian International Film Festival for his performance in Adolfo Aristarain's Martin (Hache) in 1997.

Pasos follows the travails of three couples in the early 80s just when the divorce law has passed in Spain.

The veteran actor, now 67, appears in two upcoming films: Incautos, directed by Spanish director Miguel Bardem and Machuca, directed by Chile's Andres Wood.