Charlie Chaplin Doc, ‘The Platform’ Sequel and Icíar Bollaín Among Basque Cinema’s Powerhouse Lineup at San Sebastian

As I delve into these captivating narratives that unfold at this year’s San Sebastián Film Festival, my heart is particularly stirred by the stories of artists and their indelible impact on our collective consciousness. Among them, Eduardo Chillida’s essence seems to be a tantalizing enigma, veiled in his artworks, writings, and whispers of those who knew him best. The film, “Chaplin | Spirit of the Tramp,” offers an intimate glimpse into the life of another legendary figure, Charlie Chaplin, through Carmen Chaplin’s poignant lens.

This year at the San Sebastian Film Festival, Basque cinema is showcasing a notably robust lineup, a testament to the rapid expansion of its film industry scene.

In the sea of films out there, I found two standouts that resonated deeply: “Nina” by Andrea Jaurrieta and “The Last Romantics,” both offering unique perspectives on familiar themes. “Nina” is a fresh take on the Western genre, with Patricia López Arnaiz portraying a woman driven by revenge in her coastal hometown. On the other hand, David Pérez Sañudo’s “The Last Romantics” revolves around Miren Gaztañaga’s character grappling with life’s uncertainties and mortality. Both films offer thought-provoking narratives that are as compelling as they are timely.

The lineup for the documentary series is equally fascinating. Raul de la Fuente’s “Los Williams” delves into issues of race and identity through the lens of Basque soccer stars Iñaki and Nico Williams, while Carmen Chaplin’s “Charlie Chaplin: A Man of the World” offers a unique perspective on the legendary filmmaker’s Romani background.

Main Competition

“I’m Nevenka,” (Kowalski Films, Feelgood Media, Icíar Bollaín)

Collaborating with Isa Campo, director Icíar Bollaín reenacts the distressing real-life ordeal of Nevenka Fernández, Spain’s first politician to prevail in a sexual harassment lawsuit against her superior, Ismael Álvarez, who was the mayor of Ponferrada at that time. This film made its debut at San Sebastián, with the actual Nevenka Fernández attending and receiving warm appreciation. The movie delves into emotional exploitation and trauma, portraying Fernández’s transformation from initial self-assurance to deep suffering, eventually finding solace. A production of Movistar Plus+ in partnership with Kowalski Films and Feelgood Media, Bollaín skillfully blends compelling storytelling methods and genre aspects, incorporating lush scenery and elements of horror.

Official Selection Out of Competition

“Querer,” (Movistar Plus+, Feelgood Media, Kowalski Films)

Alauda Ruiz de Azúa oversees the most prominent television series in San Sebastián. The series, titled “Querer,” unfolds in modern times and combines elements of courtroom drama and psychological suspense. The narrative commences when Miren, who has been married for over three decades and is a mother of two, leaves her family home and goes to the police station accompanied by her lawyer to accuse her husband of sexual abuse that has spanned several decades.

Perlak

“Marco,” (Irusoin, Moriarti Produkzioak, Atresmedia Cine, La Verdad Inventada A.I.E)

Filmmakers Jon Garaño, Aitor Arregi, and Jose Mari Goenaga present “Marco,” a movie inspired by the real-life events of Enric Marco, a man who deceitfully posed as a survivor of Nazi concentration camps while heading Spain’s association for deportees. Lead actor Eduard Fernández portrays the protagonist in this film that delves into complex themes of truth and deception. The movie has garnered positive buzz since its world premiere at Venice, with Film Factory being behind its production.

Made In Spain

“Nina,” (BTeam Pictures, Irusoin, Lasai Producciones)

In a modern, feminine reinterpretation of the classic western, filmmaker Andrea Jaurrieta continues her cinematic journey after her Goya-nominated debut “Ana by Day.” The story revolves around Patricia López Arnaiz as Nina, who arrives back in her coastal hometown armed with a shotgun, seeking retribution against a well-respected author. However, rekindling her past and reuniting with her childhood friend Blas, she begins to ponder if vengeance is the only path forward. The film was honored with the Silver Biznaga Critic’s Jury Special Award at the 2024 Málaga Film Festival, under the production house Filmax.

New Directors

“The Last Romantics,” (Irune and Miguel Maria, La Claqueta, Irusoin)

In the film, Irune, played by Miren Gaztañaga, is a 40-year-old orphan who spends her days working at a paper factory alone. However, her quiet life is turned upside down when she finds a lump in her breast. This discovery forces her to confront her own mortality, leading her to break free from her isolation and form new connections while reconsidering the meaning of her existence. The story follows Irune’s journey towards self-improvement and love. Director David Pérez Sañudo, who received three awards for “Ane Is Missing” in 2020, is once again captivating audiences with this compelling narrative – SA: Latido.

RTVE Gala

The Production Company: ‘Girls at the Station’ (Kowalski Films SL, Feelgood Media SL, La Periférica Produccions SL)” or “Production by Kowalski Films SL, Feelgood Media SL, and La Periférica Produccions SL for the film titled ‘Girls at the Station’

Movie “Growing Up Wild

Kimuak

“When It Comes (It Will Have Your Eyes,)” (Sultana Films)

Under the guidance of Izibene Oñederra, this short movie delves into a tight-knit community grappling with an ecological disaster. As some bask in self-indulgent pleasure, many fight for mere existence. The film is rumored to ponder the fate that awaits us and if there’s anything capable of salvation when all hope seems lost. It was produced by Sultana Films and distributed by Kimuak.

Culinary Zinema

“The Platform 2,” (Basque Films)

2019 hit “The Platform,” which has been one of Netflix’s most-watched non-English films for the past four years according to Gaztelu-Urrutia, presents a chilling portrayal of the world’s wealth divide. This time, it appears to focus on the atrocities people might inflict upon each other. The story goes that as an enigmatic leader imposes their rule in the Platform, a newcomer gets drawn into the struggle against this contentious strategy to combat the ruthless feeding system. The synopsis continues by saying, “However, eating from the wrong dish could mean certain death. So, how far would you be prepared to go to save your own life?” Premiering on Netflix soon.

Zinemira Documentaries

“Los Williams,” (Kanaki Films, En Cero Coma (Fremantle))

Being a football enthusiast with roots in Ghana, yet playing for Athletic Club de Bilbao – a team that only fields Basque players – I, “Los Williams,” experience the intricate challenges of brothers Nico and Inaki feeling like outsiders in their own land. Over two crucial years, we delve into our family’s past and future. Raul de la Fuente continues to explore familiar themes, but this time through the international prism of soccer.

“Ciento Volando,” (Bixagu Entertainment, A Contracorriente Films)

In a thoughtful exploration titled “A Hundred Birds in the Sky,” Director Arantxa Aguirre follows the character Jone Laspiur, portraying an art student, as she immerses herself for a year within Chillida Leku, seeking to uncover the soul of renowned sculptor Eduardo Chillida. By delving into his artwork, writings, and interviews with those who knew him intimately, she constructs a vivid picture of this enigmatic artist. The film provides a profound, poetic contemplation on the themes of art and self-discovery. Its debut takes place at San Sebastián, under the banner of Latido.

The Film ‘Spirit of the Tramp’ (Produced by Wave of Humanity, Basque Films, Atlantika Films, Kwanon Films, and Submarine Sublime)

Carmen Chaplin’s movie explores her grandpa’s Romani roots using interviews with her children (Johnny Depp and Emir Kusturica), exclusive estate access, and modern Roma artists’ input.

“This Is Not Hollywood (The Unfinished Story of the Ibarretxe Brothers)” (Euskadi Movie AIE)

In this movie titled “Basque Filmmakers,” we see how the daughters and nieces of the main characters carry on a distinct legacy. Comparisons have been made between these creators and a blend of the Marx Brothers and Monty Python, with Nere Flagan Martin serving as co-director. Notable personalities like Stephen Fry and Santiago Segura share their thoughts in interviews throughout the film. The story primarily focuses on Jone’s journey to understand and highlight the enduring influence they had.

“Los Poderes De Lolo,” (Baleuko S.L., TVE)

Delving into the life of Lolo Rico, the groundbreaking architect behind the cherished Spanish TV series “La Bola de Cristal” (“The Crystal Ball”). The movie showcases how Rico, a visionary woman, single-handedly raised seven children while overhauling Spanish television. Miguel Alba Rico, Nino Fontán Allen, and Itziar Bernaola Serrano are the directors. This compelling documentary is brought to us by Baleuko in collaboration with RTVE and will make its debut at San Sebastián.

“Zortzitik Infinitura,” (Baleuko)

This exhibition showcases the history of Basque cinema, narrated through the life experiences of filmmaker Benito Ansola. The story is skillfully written and presented by Miren Agur Meabe in a documentary format. This production, titled “Naia Laka Arrizubieta,” traces the evolution of Basque cinema from its humble origins to its present-day prosperity. The premiere of this documentary takes place at San Sebastián, and it is produced by Baleuko.

“That World That Gives You Nothing,” (Cala Falsa 123)

In a tumultuous dance spanning decades, I recount my own story of an on-again, off-again relationship with another university student we crossed paths with in Bilbao in 1978, amidst the turmoil of political unrest. Our meetings and miscommunications echoed through the years until, during a life-changing trip to Havana in 2001 to meet my long-lost aunt and cousin, our separate paths were etched forever.

“Replica,” (Zazpi T’erdi)

Director Pello Gutiérrez Peñalba muses on his filmmaker father Juanmi Gutiérrez by revisiting his works as a means of personal recollection, not through the actual images, but rather their absence. He ponders if an empty space can hold the same power as a full one, and if so, how to address that emptiness.

Zinemira Not In Competition

“Let It Know,” (Mirokutana Koop Elk Txikia)

Pursuing Tamara Muruetagoiena, whose family was kidnapped by ETA 40 years ago and whose father was subsequently tortured and killed by state agents, sets out on a quest for truth and justice. This underscores the significance of acknowledging past events and utilizing dialogue as the primary tool to resolve disputes.

2024-09-23 19:49