Catalonia Serves Up Its Best at Cannes

This year’s Cannes Festival may be significantly influenced by Catalonia, as we take a glimpse at its film entries and Market of Film (Marche du Film).

CANNES FESTIVAL

“Magellan,” Lav Díaz (Spain, Portugal, Philippines)

Premiere at Cannes, the movie “Magalhães” starring Gael Garcia Bernal tells a historical epic story of the life and journeys of Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan. This production is a joint effort among several companies, including Andergraun Films based in Catalonia, and it showcases Lav Díaz’s unique approach to slow cinema when dealing with historical subjects.

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“Romería,” Carla Simón (Spain)

A significant part of Berlin Golden Bear-winning filmmaker Simón’s autobiographical trilogy is “Romería.” This movie tells the story of Marina, a young woman who was adopted at an early age. She embarks on a journey to Vigo to encounter her biological father’s family for the first time. The narrative style in this film continues the deeply personal approach that brought Simón international recognition through films like “Alcarràs” and “Summer 1993.

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“Sirat,” Oliver Laxe (Spain, Portugal, France)

Following his triumph at Cannes Un Certain Regard with “Fire Will Come,” Oliver Laxe is back with “Sirat.” This upcoming project has been wrapped in enigma but boasts heavyweight industry backing from prestigious entities like Pedro Almodóvar’s El Deseo and Movistar Plus. In the main competition at Cannes, the film anticipates showcasing Laxe’s distinctive introspective style and visually captivating landscapes.

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“Sleepless City,” Guillermo Galoe (Spain, France)

Making its premiere at Critics’ Week, “Sleepless City,” directed by Guillermo Galoe, is his initial full-length work. Produced by Sintagma, Buenapinta Media, Encanta and BTeam Prods in Spain, this film delves into the hardships faced by a Romani family residing in one of Europe‘s most significant illegal settlements on the outskirts of Madrid.

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“The Sorceress Echo,” Marc Camardons (Spain)

In the spotlight at La Cinéf, “The Sorceress Echo” is a short movie crafted by ESCAC, a renowned film school in Catalonia. This captivating story with a supernatural undertone hails from a budding director, further cementing its status as another promising production from an up-and-coming Catalan filmmaker.

“+10k,” Gala Hernández (Spain, France)

The short film titled “+10k,” which premiered at Directors’ Fortnight, is the latest creation of director Gala Hernández. Produced collaboratively by 15-L Films and Don Quichotte Films, the story centers around a 21-year-old who dwells with his mother while being lured into contemporary money-making scams promising quick wealth.

MARCHÉ DU FILM

“Face of Grace,” Anna Martí Domingo and Laura Santos Martí (Spain)

Among the featured films in the Focus COPRO’ selection for Cinéma de Demain, “Face of Grace” is one such production, jointly produced by Allegra Pictures and Nocturna Pictures. This project showcases burgeoning Catalan talent at Cannes, providing a peek into innovative storytellers dedicated to crafting original cinematic expressions.

“The Flight of the Stork,” Soumaya Hidalgo Djahdou, Berta Vicente Salas (Spain)

As a movie enthusiast, I can’t help but express my excitement about another documentary, “The Flight of the Stork,” which is set to premiere at Cannes Docs. This thought-provoking piece is brought to us by Migranta Films. The film delves deep into the heartwarming and complex dynamics of a mother-daughter relationship, as a young woman of Algerian descent embarks on a journey back to her roots for the holy month of Ramadan.

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“We Were a Great Family,” Chiara Marañón, Juan Soto Taborda, Cristina Rosselló (Spain)

This documentary is part of Cannes Docs’ Spanish Showcase for documentaries still in production. It is produced by LaCima Producciones and Sandelion Productions, and it delves into Spanish history under dictator Francisco Franco using personal family videos recorded between 1942 and 1999.

Sales: Begin Again Films

“Who Knows?” Carlo Padial (Spain)

At the Marché du Film’s Frontières Proof of Concept section, the project titled “Who Knows?” was showcased. This project is a collaborative effort between film critic and screenwriter Desirée de Fez and myself. The production companies involved are Catalunya Federation Studios and Federation Spain. This concept aims to establish a link between the European and North American markets, particularly in the realm of genre cinema.

“1999,” David Casademunt (Spain)

David Casademunt’s “1999,” chosen for Fantastic 7, is a captivating high-end fantasy production. The film is being produced by Coming Soon Films and Anonymous Content Spain, with Casademunt, known for his expertise in the genre, further strengthening Catalonia’s influence in the expanding market for sophisticated genre narratives. Notably, this region is home to the esteemed Sitges Film Festival, which showcases genre works.

SHORT FILM CORNER

“Made of Sugar,” Clàudia Cedó (Spain)

A portion of Shortcat 2025’s Short Film Corner, titled “Made of Sugar,” is brought to you by Lastor Media (“Alcarràs”) and Suica Films. The short film exhibits the abilities of Cedó and represents the multifaceted storytelling techniques prevalent in contemporary Catalan narratives.

“The Prince,” Àlex Sardà (Spain, Canada)

In addition, by the year 2025, “The Prince” by Àlex Sardà will be a joint production between 15-L Films and Canadian partners, thereby expanding the global connections for Catalan short film creators.

“Skin Despair,” Mireia Vilapuig (Spain)

The film ‘Skin Despair’, hailing from Nanouk Films (‘This Is Not Sweden’), has been added to the Shortcat 2025 roster. This thought-provoking piece delves into deep emotions and may spark controversy with its intriguing title and artistic goals.

“Our Room,” Jaume Claret (Spain)

Under the direction of emerging filmmaker Claret (“Strange River”), in association with Dvein Films, Elías Querejeta Zine Eskola, and Miramemira, “Our Room” is set to deliver a collective and multidisciplinary narrative for the Shortcat 2025 project.

“Mater Benefacta,” Marc Riba and Anna Solanas (Spain)

At this year’s Shortcat exhibition, “Mater Benefacta” from I+G Stop Motion served to underscore the enduring prowess of Catalan animation in the realm of stop motion, a skillset that has been shining brightly for quite some time.

“Where There is No Light,” Julia Garcia (Spain)

Made by Corte A Films, “Where There is No Light” completes the Shortcat 2025 lineup, carrying on the legacy of original, director-focused short films that showcase Catalonia’s creativity to the world.

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2025-05-15 12:17