Catalan Films to Track at Berlin’s EFM

Callum McLennan
·3 min read
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Outside its Market, of the eleven Spanish films elected for this year’s Berlin Film Festival, five have Catalan involvement, a testament to the significant investment and creative nurturing that occurs there. Below are those five and market highlights:

“Cura Sana” (Lucía G. Romero)

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Produced by ESCAC Films, a Generation 14plus short delving into sisters’ lives shaped by ancestral violence, exploring deep familial bonds and the lasting impact of abuse.

“The Human Hibernation” (Anna Cornudella)

A sci-fi exploration of siblings undergoing hibernation, with only the sister awakening, blurring the lines between human and animal. A narrative of survival and awakening by Catalunya’s Joponica Films and Valladolid’s Batiak Films.

“Memories Of A Burning Body,” (Antonella Sudasassi Furniss)

A Berlin Panorama player, unraveling the repressed dimensions of womanhood, produced by Playlab Films and Costa Rica’s Substance Films. Sales: Bendita Film Sales.

“Reinas,” (Klaudia Reynicke)

In 1992 Lima, Lucia, Aurora, and their mother prepare to settle in the U.S., leaving the estranged father behind. Alva Film, Maretazo Films and Inicia Films produce the Sundance and now Generation Kplus title. Sales: Luxbox.

“Hold Time For Me,” (Fradique)

The sophomore outing from Fradique, whose debut, 2020’s MUBI-acquired low fi parable “Air Conditioner,” turned heads at Rotterdam. Here, in Angola, a young state photographer, grappling with loss, sets out locate a vanished Cuban biologist. Produced by Seera Films, Migranta Films, and Uika Filmes and part of Rotterdam-Berlinale Express.

“March 14th,” (Alberto Gross Molo)

Capturing the emotional turmoil of two siblings on the precipice of a life-altering decision, a Script Station project from Migranta Films, Seera Films, Uika Filmes


European Film Market

“Aamelat. Day Laborers of War,” (Eva Parey)

Directed by Barcelona born Eva Parey and produced by Films de L’Orient, the doc tells untold stories of Syrian women and girls in Lebanon’s Bekaa Valley. Sales: FeelSales

“Gold Lust,” (Ibai Abad)

Starring Gaudi winner Alex Brendemühl (“Creatura”), in the late 19th century, Cileta and her family fall prey to Oleguer, a ruthless land-grabber. Nakamura Films, Mayo Films and Abacus produce. Sales: FeelSales

“Negu Hurbilak,” (Negu Collective)

A woman’s desperate journey across the Basque Country’s border after 2011’s conflict resolution intertwines ancient myths with her contemporary struggles. Liked at Locarno, produced by Cornelius Films and Maluta Films. Sales: Begin Again Films

“Rider,” (Ignacio Estaregui)

A thrilling real-time narrative follows a delivery rider in Spain, weaving together a dangerous delivery mission with her unfolding personal crises, creating layers of suspense and drama. Sales: Begin Again Films

“Hate Songs,” (Alejo Levis, Mundo Cero)

Actors and a technician at a Rwandan radio station aim to broadcast a message of peace, intertwining their personal stories with historical echoes of genocide. Sales : Sideral

“Jokes & Cigarettes,” (David Trueba)

A bold play by Ikiru Films: Goya best picture winner Trueba directs David Verdaguer as Eugenio, Barcelona’s iconic comedian, capturing his unique humor and the paradox of his persona, based on true events. Sales: Film Factory.

“Restless Waters, Shimmering Lights,” (Ángeles Hernández)

After a tragic accident, a family seeks solace in an isolated lighthouse, where supernatural occurrences and unresolved grief intertwine. Sales: FilmSharks Intl.

“Sima’s Song,” (Roya Sadat)

Chronicles the enduring friendship between Suraya and Sima in Afghanistan, against the backdrop of political upheaval, highlighting their divergent paths but shared bond. Sales: Pluto Film

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