As a film enthusiast with a keen interest in exploring the nuances of human experiences, I find myself deeply intrigued by this fascinating lineup of upcoming Spanish films. The diversity and originality of these projects are truly commendable, each offering a unique perspective on various aspects of life.
SAN SEBASTIAN — Is the film festival in question San Sebastián’s Catalan Film Festival? This year, Catalonia has an impressive 27 entries at the event, with five projects in the doc forum Lau Haizetara and four out of the five Spanish films in the main Competition, as well as 10 productions in Made in Spain. Here is a breakdown of the major section titles:
Main Competition
“Afternoons of Solitude,” (Andergraun Films, Ideale Audience, LaCima Producciones)
Albert Serra’s latest film, a successor to “Pacifiction” which was screened at Cannes competition, focuses on renowned bullfighter Andrés Roca Rey in his professional life. The outcome of this project is yet to be revealed. According to Serra, he filmed the documentary-like feature with respect and innocence, devoid of any bias or incitement, as he shared with ABC Cultural (Spain).
“Glimmers,” (Inicia Films, Mod Producciones, Misent Producciones)
The latest from Pilar Palomero (“Schoolgirls,” “La Maternal”). A top-notch Spanish cast led by Patricia López Arnaíz and Antonio de la Torre drive the tale of a woman asked by her daughter to care for her father, the hospitalized ex-husband she has not seen for 15 years. After two multi-prized studies of female adolescence, Palomero’s biggest movie to date and a “reflection on the marks left on us and which we leave, which make us who we are,” Palomero has said.
“Hard Truths,” (The Mediapro Studio, Thin Man Films)
In my view, the esteemed English director skillfully crafts a challenging character study for his “Secrets & Lies” leading lady, a role that undeniably stands as a career highlight, if not necessarily a captivating narrative to embody. This is based on Mike Leigh’s latest production, which has garnered positive reviews after its successful debut at Toronto and now graces San Sebastian.
“The Wailing,” (Caballo Films, Setembro Cine, Tandem Films (ESP), Tarea Fina (ARG), Noodles (FRA)
In this film, an unseen entity has been present all along, even though it can’t be seen with the naked eye. Twenty years ago, it terrorized Camila and Marie, and now, a distance of 10,000 kilometers away, Andrea is starting to hear its haunting cries. This is a traditional genre movie that reportedly gains complexity in its climax. The main cast includes Ester Expósito from the popular series “Elite.” The production is led by the rising Madrid-based company Caballo Films, known for their work on “The Beasts” and “La ruta.” Directing this film will be Pedro Martín Calero, who has previously worked on the Weeknd’s music video “Secrets,” various commercials like the Honda Civic –Up ad, and short fiction pieces such as “Julius Cesar.” Distributed by Film Factory Ent.
Horizontes Latinos
As a cinephile reflecting on “Maybe It’s True What They Say About Us,” I must admit that this film has left an indelible impression. The collaborative effort between Storyboard Media, La Jauría, Murrillo Cine and Morocha Film, under the direction of B-Mount, truly shines in this heartfelt production. If you’re looking for a thought-provoking cinematic experience that challenges conventional narratives, I highly recommend giving it a watch.
A suspenseful tale delving into the themes of inherited pain, responsibility, and the delicate nature of bonds, as described by EbMaster, Psychiatrist Ximena’s daughter Tamara makes a dramatic return home from a retreat. Tragically, her baby goes missing within a secretive cult, leading to an intriguing investigation that uncovers hidden truths. Lead actress is Aline Kuppenheim, recognized for her role in “Chile ’76.
New Directors
“Surfacing,” (Tarea Fina, Tandem Films,Setembro Cine)
In the movie “The Desert Bride,” as pointed out by EbMaster, the second characteristic is that it presents a slow-boiling narrative about Sofía (Maricel Álvarez), who struggles with her feelings towards her son (Angelo Mutti Spinetta), who is misguided. The film is a collaboration between Argentina’s Tarea Fina (“Sleepwalkers”), Spain’s Tandem Films (“Close Your Eyes”), and Setembro Cine (“A Fantastic Woman”). This movie distribution is handled by SA: Visit Films.
Velodrome
“Celeste,” (Movistar Plus+, 100 Balas, (The Mediapro Studio))
Sara, a modest tax inspector who was longing for retirement and felt rather isolated, finds herself with an opportunity to make her final act memorable by exposing a popular Latina pop star for tax fraud. This thriller, penned by Diego San José, is said to feature the uninteresting protagonist according to its creator. The series will be headlined by the talented and multi-faceted Carmen Machi, who has previously appeared in “Aida” and “La Mesías.” The large viewership for this production belongs to Movistar Plus+, a leading Spanish pay TV/SVOD operator.
Zinemira
“Ciento Volando,” (Bixagu Entertainment, A Contracorriente Films)
The majority of the film unfolds at Chillida Leku, the Basque countryside estate and sculpture garden of Eduardo Chillida, where a young girl meanders through the gardens engaging those closest to Chillida. This documentary captures the unique blend of art mirroring nature – be it stone slabs or curved metal structures – with man existing somewhere in between. The film is created by Arantxa Aguirre, a renowned Spanish documentarian, and it’s truly enchanting.
RTVE Gala
“Escape,” (Nostromo)
This film, directed by Rodrigo Cortés (“Buried,” “Love Gets a Room”), features Mario Casas (“The Innocent”) and Anna Castillo (“Nowhere,” “A Perfect Story”). It’s the latest production from the renowned Barcelona studio Nostromo. Instead of yearning for freedom like most convicts, in this movie, Casas portrays a man longing to be imprisoned. As Adrián Guerra from EbMaster explained, the film is an intriguing blend of genres, presenting an exhilarating escape narrative told backward. It’s about an improbable and swift reverse-escape adventure.
“May I Speak With the Enemy,” (Pecado Films, Arcadia Motion Pictures)
Filmax is the production company responsible for creating a biopic about Miguel Gila, who made significant contributions during the Spanish Civil War and later became a trailblazer of stand-up comedy with his unique absurdist style. This production company has previously worked on films such as “Close Your Eyes” by Pecado Films, “Robot Dreams,” which was Oscar-nominated, and “The Beasts,” produced by Arcadia Motion Pictures.
Made in Spain
“Little Loves,” (Arcadia Motion Pictures, Noodles Production)
A Malaga hit, and Special Jury Prize and support actress (Adriana Ozores) winner, returning director Celia Rico to the mother-daughter relationship which won her admirers with
In her first film titled “Journey to a Mother’s Room,” the production is handled by Arcadia Motion Pictures, known for their works such as “The Beasts,” “Robot Dreams,” and “Burning Body.” Here, they are partnered with Latido Films. (SA: The debut film, “Journey to a Mother’s Room” is produced by Arcadia Motion Pictures, famous for “The Beasts,” “Robot Dreams,” and “Burning Body,” in collaboration with Latido Films.)
“Holy Mother,” (Oberon Cinematográfica, Wanda Visión, Saga Film)
In the 9th century, a newly appointed abbess named Emma is assigned by her influential family to resettle borderlands near Muslim domains. Facing both political machinations and harsh natural conditions, she encounters a significant test. This is an imaginative tale penned by Antonio Chavarrías, a writer-director-producer known for “Susanna,” “Las vidas de Celia,” and “The Chosen.” The film production company is called Constellation.
“A House on Fire,” (Playtime Movies, Sábado Películas, 3CAT, Atresmedia Cine, Eliofilms)
Created by Sábado, following the release of “Crazy About You,” a comedic drama set within a complex Catalan family, written by Eduard Sola who also collaborated on “Burning Body.” The production garnered high praise from Spanish critics and, as premium cinema, marked a significant box office success, earning €2.5 million in Spain.
“Mamífera,” (Distinto Films, Edna Cinema)
This year at SXSW, Maria Rodríguez Soto, who won the Special Jury Award for Performance, starred in a captivating Spanish drama titled “unexpected pregnancy,” which has been praised by EbMaster. The film is directed by Liliana Torres, known for her work on “What Went Wrong,” and produced by Distinto, the team behind the Locarno-winning film “The Odd-Job Men” and Edna Cinema.
“Nina,” (Bteam Prods, Irusoin, Icónica Producciones, Lasai Producciones)
Drawing inspiration from Anton Chekhov’s “The Seagull,” as well as classic Westerns and the dramatic style of Douglas Sirk, young Spanish directors are venturing into genre territory. The standout second film from Andrea Jurrieta (“Ana by Day”), this movie features Patricia López Arnaiz (from Spain, known for “Ane is Missing”) and Darío Grandinetti (from Argentina, known for “Talk to Her”). In a nutshell, the film is distributed by Filmax.
“Norberta,” (Imposible Films)
An LGBTQ+ comedy-drama, helmed by debutant directors Sonia Escolano (who also wrote the script) and Belén López Albert, is set in a working-class neighborhood. The story revolves around the charming Norbert, aged 65, who must successfully execute a major heist to finance his gender transition. Producer Marta Esteban describes it as a “provocative, heartfelt, unconventional, and emotional tale; offering a unique perspective on transsexuality in the later stages of life,” under the banner of Filmax.
“The Saturn Cycle” (Produced by Bteam Productions, Ikiru Films, Aralan Films, La Terraza Films, Los Ilusos Films, Sideral Cinema, and Capricci Production)
Not many Spanish films have been as revolutionary, challenging traditional biopic conventions while still captivating audiences, as evidenced by the response at March’s Malaga Festival where “Saturn Return” garnered numerous awards. The latest production from two-time San Sebastian Golden Shell winner Isaki Lacuesta, a film inspired by the Spanish indie rock band Los Planetas on the verge of their major late ’90s breakthrough. In English: Beat (or Pulse)
“To Laugh, To Sing, Perhaps to Cry,” (Películas Inmundas)
In a humble neighborhood of Barcelona, a transgender woman develops feelings for a young Moroccan man, causing quite a stir. This film is a reinterpretation of Fassbinder’s “Ali: Fear Eats the Soul,” as director Marc Ferrer explains, and it continues his tradition of working with minimal resources and non-professional actors. The movie combines humor, melodrama, and music to present a comical yet poignant picture of the Barcelona district, gradually unfolding into a subversive tale that reveals aspects of an unseen city.
“Rock Bottom,” (AlbaSotorra, Jaibo Films, GS-Animation, Empatic)
In a vivid representation, the enchanting love story between Bob, a renowned rock musician, and Alif, an exceptionally gifted artist, unfolds using richly colored rotoscoped 2D animation. This captivating tale delves into the dynamic world of creativity and the grittier aspects of the ’70s’ counterculture scene in Mallorca and New York. The animated film, “Loco Films,” was a standout in the main competition at Annecy.
“Tiempo de silencio y destrucción,” (Imposible Films, RTVE)
From a unique perspective shared by his son and daughter, this article delves into Luis Martin-Santos, a novelist whose work “Tiempo de silencio” established him as a leading Spanish author of the last century, alongside Juan Benet. This groundbreaking work marked a departure from Spain’s prevalent social realism. The film adaptation, titled “Luis Martin-Santos”, is helmed by director Joan López Lloret, who has previously worked on “Hermanos Oligor”. Production for this movie is handled by Imposible Films, a company known for its long-standing association with Cesq Gay productions. The production house responsible for bringing this project to life is Filmax.
Klasikoak
“Tattoo, the First Adventure of Pepe Carvalho,” (Luna Films)
At San Sebastian’s Classic exhibition, recently released is Bigas Luna’s first film, a 1976 adaptation of Manuel Vázquez Montalbán’s initial crime novel featuring Carvalho, Spain’s renowned private investigator, who was once an ex-CIA agent, communist sympathizer, and a passionate food connoisseur. This film serves as a prelude to Luna’s most spectacular works, which started with the controversial “Bilbao,” marking the rise of one of Spain’s most extravagant directors in 1978.
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2024-09-20 11:21