Newsletter no 13 from laCultura Jan 2014
WHAT DO YOU KNOW ABOUT SPANISH FILM?
Modern Spanish film was under strict censorship by the nationalist government for a long time and adapted to these ideological constraint. Escapism and entertainment was the focus. However, from the 50s, film directors began to protest Franco’s cultural politics – among those were Juan Antonio Bardem, Luis Garcia Berlanga and Luis Bunuel – painting a bolder, more realistic picture of Spain. In 1975, after Franco died, censorship was finally eliminated. Earlier taboo-ladened subjects like sexuality, drugs, church, army and the civil war were treated freely on the film screen.
The illustrious work of Montxo Armendariz, Fernando Trueba, Imanol Uribe and Pedro Almodóvar became part of the “new wave” of Spanish film. During the last few decades first-class films have continued to be produced by established filmmakers as well as newcomers. Some of them are Alejandro Amenabar (Thesis), José Luis Garcí (El Abuelo), and of course, Pedro Almodóvar. Since the 90s Spain has also been one of the leading countries for the number of women filmmaker who have attained wide success at national and international film festivals and who have been acclaimed by both public as well as critics. Icíar Bollain, Chus Gutiérrez, Isabel Cixet och Patricia Fereira are among notable names.
Modern Spanish film was under strict censorship by the nationalist government for a long time and adapted to these ideological constraint. Escapism and entertainment was the focus. However, from the 50s, film directors began to protest Franco’s cultural politics – among those were Juan Antonio Bardem, Luis Garcia Berlanga and Luis Bunuel – painting a bolder, more realistic picture of Spain. In 1975, after Franco died, censorship was finally eliminated. Earlier taboo-ladened subjects like sexuality, drugs, church, army and the civil war were treated freely on the film screen.
The illustrious work of Montxo Armendariz, Fernando Trueba, Imanol Uribe and Pedro Almodóvar became part of the “new wave” of Spanish film. During the last few decades first-class films have continued to be produced by established filmmakers as well as newcomers. Some of them are Alejandro Amenabar (Thesis), José Luis Garcí (El Abuelo), and of course, Pedro Almodóvar. Since the 90s Spain has also been one of the leading countries for the number of women filmmaker who have attained wide success at national and international film festivals and who have been acclaimed by both public as well as critics. Icíar Bollain, Chus Gutiérrez, Isabel Cixet och Patricia Fereira are among notable names.
 | With that said: 2013 wasn’t Spain’s best film year. Not as many films. Not as many great films. Rather quiet in Berlin, Cannes and Venice. Some claim the reasons for this can be found in the hardening political and social climate. There is less support, raised taxes, and we find ourselves in a hardening cultural and political climate. However, in difficult times talents intensify. For sure the coming years will bring surprises and new eminence, not in the least by women, who seemed to have taken the largest step back this year. But let's keep in mind, more than a handful made it through 2013, and did it more than well. The list THE 10 BEST SPANISH FILMS IN 2013 |
 | The the most important Spanish film award is Goya. It has been awarded since 1987 in a number of different categories similar to the Oscars. Last year Blanca Nieves won best film, a drama directed by Pablo Berger with Maribel Verdú in the leading roll. The surrealistic travesty is based on the story of Snow White, and takes place in 1920s Andalusia. The film is silent (!) and in black and white. This year’s awards will take place 9 Feb. MORE AND THE 2014 GOYA GOES TO ... |
 | Malaga Film Festival is held every Spring. This year will be the 17th edition. Film, soundtracks, food, literature, lectures, activities; the whole intercity of Malaga is transformed into a lively international meeting grounds for film and everything revolving around the subject. Feature films as well as shorts animated and documentaries. Outdoors and indoors. Click here for the official website. MALAGA FILM FESTIVAL 21-28 MARCH |
| | In the summer we move outdoors and project films on the Pineda’s house wall. Always on Thursday - vintage films, new films, dubbed films, dramas, comedies, favorite reruns. Like El espíritu de la colmena, by Víctor Erice from 1973 (The Spirit of the Beehive). It takes us back to the time we can only see and hear as children. A beautiful film. A small masterpiece. View a clip. FILM AT LACULTURA |
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