As a seasoned cinephile with a penchant for documentaries that delve deep into the human condition, I found the 20th Lau Haizetara Documentary Co-Production Forum at San Sebastián Festival to be an absolute treasure trove of compelling narratives. The rich tapestry of stories, ranging from the ethical dilemmas faced by AP photojournalists to the transformative journey of a Spanish-Chinese gangster turned monk, truly resonated with my passion for unconventional narratives.
2021 SAN SEBASTIAN – At the 20th Lau Haizetara Documentary Co-Production Forum, a key event during the San Sebastián Festival, three captivating projects shone: ethical quandaries faced by an AP photojournalist, the remarkable tale of a Spanish-Chinese gangster’s spiritual transformation into a monk, and the introspective journey of Eric Cantona.
The presentations of the pitches were made before an impressive group of executives responsible for commissioning and programming, which included Mehdi Bekkar (Al Jazeera), Sergio Ramos (AMC Networks) and Cleo Veger (Dogwoof).
The combined knowledge they possessed, gained from esteemed platforms such as Arte France, Movistar Plus+, and the Sundance Institute, underscored the significance of the discussion.
In my critique’s perspective, it’s not the specific time frames or slots that matter most, but rather the narrative’s resonance with me – a key factor in selecting non-fiction content for Movistar Plus+, as articulated by Elsa Rodríguez Monje.
In a collaboration with Pulitzer Prize-winning photographer Rodrigo Abd, the renowned director Daniel Martínez-Quintanilla Pérez, known for his award-winning film “Barrabás,” delves into the complexities of photojournalism. This documentary follows Abd as he revisits conflict zones using a large wooden analog camera, capturing intimate moments with people and places from his past photographs. The film calls into question the romanticized portrayal of war journalists, probing into the influence of mainstream media in global conflict reporting. “Barrabás,” produced by Rafa Molés and Pepe Andreu of SUICAfilms, explores themes of war, ethics, and reconciliation over a span of twelve years in world history.
Titled “From Dawn to Dawn,” produced by Lacima Producciones, The South Project, and La Fábrica Nocturna, and directed by Xisi Sofia Ye Chen, this movie offers a unique perspective into the underbelly of China in Spain. It chronicles the life of A Wen, a former Barcelona gangster and businessman, as seen through his sister’s eyes. Struggling with the tension of his two lives, A Wen ultimately decides to return to a monastery in China. The film delves into this dual identity, combining personal and cultural insights, as the director navigates the moral intricacies of her brother’s world.
Based in Barcelona, Sábado Películas, under the guidance of Tian Riba – a director nominated for a Gaudi award (“Oswald. The Forger”), unveiled “The Retreat”, a feature-length documentary. This film delves into three interconnected narratives from the Spanish Civil War. The core of the story revolves around the unearthing of wartime photographs by Robert Capa, an acclaimed photojournalist. These images, missing for seven decades and found in Mexico, enabled Eric Cantona to identify his grandfather in a photograph taken at the Argelers refugee camp.
In this documentary, Cantona, accompanied by his two siblings, will serve as your guides, taking you on a journey to follow in the footsteps of their grandparents. Along the way, they’ll unearth hidden family history and illuminate the lasting effects of war and exile, providing insights that continue to resonate today.
Under strong prospects for widespread audience interest, the film titled “Good and Evil – The Art of Selling a Deception,” helmed by Emmy-nominated director Kelly Nyks (“The Age of Consequences”), and produced by Solent Production, Doxy Films Netherlands, and Creative Company Media, delves anew into the Stanford Prison Experiment.
As an avid enthusiast, I find myself drawn to a movie that endeavors to challenge the accepted beliefs stemming from Professor Philip Zimbardo’s findings and instead, shed light on the media’s part in shaping a skewed portrayal of human nature. Adopting an archival-only approach offers a contemporary perspective on the issue of misinformation and the essence of truth in our current era.
As a film enthusiast, I’ve come across a fascinating project titled “Peter,” which was thoughtfully conceived and pitched during early stages of production by Lucía Montero Sánchez de las Matas. This documentary is produced by the promising Carlota Darnell, in collaboration with Cornelius Films. EbMaster has highlighted Darnell as an emerging producer to watch out for. The film chronicles Lucía’s journey working alongside three amateur Spanish actors, aiming to breathe life into the elusive character of Peter – a cryptic Englishman I used to meet weekly during my time in London.
Credit is due to director Aurela Berila for inviting her subject, pop star Adelina of ‘Adelina’ (Tabahana Films), to the event. This documentary, viewed through a feminist perspective, chronicles Adelina’s rise as a provocative and rebellious performer during the 1990s in ex-Yugoslavia. Berila’s film delves into Adelina’s struggle against ethnic suppression and patriarchal limitations, interweaving historical footage with her personal experiences.
Proinsias Ní Ghrainne, a commissioning editor at Ireland’s TG4, stated that this market is truly outstanding. In fact, the quality of the annual projects surpasses many larger markets.
Among the fifteen proposals presented, only two originated from the Basque region, whereas the rest came from various nations such as Germany, Kosovo, Denmark, Peru, Serbia, Italy, France, Argentina, and Spain.
XX Lau Haizetara Documentary Co-Production Forum Awards
MUSIC LIBRARY AWARD
As a passionate cinephile, I’ve recently come across a captivating film titled “La Noche de la Infancia,” produced by the creative minds at Lacima Producciones, The South Project, and La Fábrica Nocturna – all hailing from Spain.
DOGWOOF AWARD
Daniel Martinez-Quintanilla’s film, titled ‘Barrabás’, was produced by Muyuna, SUICAfilms, and the Associated Press. This production hails from Spain and Peru.
EPE-IBAIA-ELKARGI AWARD
As a cinephile immersed in the vibrant world of film, I found myself captivated by the visually stunning and culturally rich masterpiece titled “Barrabás.” Produced by the esteemed Muyuna, SUICAfilms, and Associated Press, this cinematic journey is a collaborative effort between Spain and Peru.
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2024-09-27 08:17