As a seasoned cinephile with a penchant for international cinema and a soft spot for Spanish filmmaking, I must admit that this year’s MASS showcase promises to be a veritable feast for the senses. From the rural drama “La Casa” to the genre-defying biopic “Saturn Return,” each title in this lineup seems to offer a unique and compelling narrative.
Some of the most notable Spanish films from 2024, including “Saturn Return” (winner at Málaga Festival and Spain’s entry for the Oscars), “I Am Nevenka,” and “Glimmers” (both laureates at San Sebastián), will be showcased in MASS, a presentation of Spanish cinema. This event will take place in Buenos Aires from November 28-30, and in Montevideo from December 2-4, coinciding with the Ventana Sur market in Uruguay’s capital city.
The upcoming film season marks a joint effort between the San Sebastián and Málaga Film Festivals from Spain, working together with the Spanish ICAA film agency and Orca Films from Argentina. Spain aims to leverage its strong presence on global streaming platforms among European film powers to establish production and co-financing relationships in Uruguay, an emerging film and TV center, as well as regions of Argentina.
While in Argentina, the San Sebastian and Malaga Festivals plan to convene officials from Buenos Aires, Entre Rios, and Santiago del Estero provinces for discussions on drafting a partnership deal. This agreement aims to foster cooperation and strengthen ties between Spanish and Argentine film industries by encouraging exchange and collaboration.
The lineup:
At this year’s Malaga, the film “The House” (by Álex Montoya, Spain) made a significant impact, winning the Audience Award and the Sales Agents Prize for its outstanding performance, as well as earning Silver Biznagas for Best Screenplay and Best Score. Produced by Nakamura Films and Raw Pictures, this rural drama revolves around three siblings who gather in their childhood home after their father’s passing. Each item within their house triggers vivid recollections, intensifying the emotional atmosphere as tension escalates. Starring two-time Goya winner David Verdaguer, best known for his roles in “Jokes & Cigarettes” and “Summer 1993,” world distribution rights are held by Latido.
“Glimmers,” (“Destellos,” Pilar Palomero, Spain)
Among Palomero’s works, “Glimmers” has been widely acclaimed as her most impressive yet, following her debut, “The Schoolgirls,” which won the prestigious Best Picture Goya, and her second film, “Motherhood.” This year, “Glimmers” garnered the same recognition for its stars, Antonio de la Torre (“”) and Patricia López Arnaiz (“Ane is Missing”), who portray an estranged couple reunited when the former’s health takes a turn for the worse. The film has been distributed by Film Factory.
“I Am Nevenka,” (Iciar Bollaín, Spain)
The initial movie released from Movistar Plus+’s first collection of films, jointly produced with independent studios Kowalski Films and Feelgood Media, is this one. It’s a detailed account, meticulously based on real events, that portrays the physical, including rape, mental, and emotional abuse endured by Nevenka Fernández, a former member of Ponferrada Municipal Council, at the hands of Ismael Álvarez, who was once the influential mayor of the city. Directed by Bollaín, it reaches its peak with a groundbreaking sexual harassment court case in Spain, marking the first time such charges were brought against a politician in Spain. This movie is also produced by Film Factory.
“Mugaritz. No Bread, No Dessert,” (Paco Plaza, Spain)
Renowned Spanish horror director Plaza (“Verónica”) shifts gears to provide an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the intriguing documentary feature about the inner operations and compelling reasoning behind the two-Michelin Star Basque restaurant, Mugaritz. The thought-provoking dishes served at this eatery are also highlighted in this piece. Winner of San Sebastian’s acclaimed Culinary Cinema Award, which will be presented by Plaza, alongside Mugaritz’s chef Andoni Luis Aduriz.
“Nina,” (Andrea Jurrieta, Spain)
In her second movie following “Ana by Day,” Jurrieta was recognized with a nomination for Best New Director at the Spanish Academy Goya Awards. Drawing inspiration from Anton Chekhov’s “The Seagull,” “Nina” revolves around a female actress who returns to her coastal hometown in Spain, aiming to take revenge on a renowned author. The film stars López Arnaiz (“Ane is Missing”) and Argentine actor Darío Grandinetti (“Talk to Her”). With echoes of Douglas Sirk’s melodrama and the classic Western genre, “Nina” offers an appealing blend of styles that underscores Jurrieta as a promising director to watch. Filmax manages distribution.
“Saturn Return,” (Isaki Lacuesta, Pol Rodríguez,, Spain)
The standout film from Málaga, taking home the Golden Biznaga for Best Spanish Film, Silver Biznagas for Best Director and Best Editing, is a genre-blending biopic focusing on legendary rock band Los Planetas as they work towards their 1994 breakthrough album. Penned by Fernando Navarro, jointly directed by Lacuesta who has won two San Sebastian Golden Shell awards, this radical, audience-pleasing production is marketed under the banner of Latido.
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2024-11-20 18:47