Spanish Films to Track in Berlin
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It may not match last year’s sheer quantity in competition strands, but Spain still boasts a high quality presence at the Berlinale. Following, highlights the festival and EFM:
“Every You Every Me,” (Michael Fetter Nathansky)
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A factory worker strives to reconnect with her distant husband, exploring the rediscovery of love within the complexities of relationships. From Contando Films, Studio Zentral, Network Movie and Nephilim, a German-Spanish production.
“Cura Sana,” (Lucía G. Romero)
Produced by ESCAC Films, this Generation 14plus premiere delves into sisters’ lives shaped by ancestral violence, exploring deep familial bonds and lasting impact of abuse.
“Deprisa, Deprisa,” (Carlos Saura)
A classic: Set to a memorable flamenco-pop score, four young Madrid delinquents pull robberies, snort heroin, steal cars the film capturing the raw energy youth and their vague, but visceral sense of ‘liberty.’ A restoration of a seminal work.
“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. From Catalonia’s Joponica Films and Batiak Films.
“The Major Tones,” (Ingrid Pokropek)
The tale of Ana, a girl receiving Morse code messages after an accident, blending mystery with adolescence. In Generation Kplus, produced by Jaibo Films, 36 Caballos, Serie Gong Cine – La Zanfoña.
“Memories Of A Burning Body,” (Antonella Sudasassi Furniss)
Playing Panorama and unraveling the repressed dimensions of womanhood through the lives of Ana, Patricia, and Mayela, produced by Playlab Films and Substance Films. Sales: Bendita Film Sales.
“Nanacatepec,” (Elena Pardo, Azucena Losana)
The directors use 16mm film to explore the mystical through creation and transformation metaphors, inspired by Nanacatepec rock, an ‘expanded cinema’ piece born from their residency at Barcelona’s Crater Lab.
“Reinas,” (Klaudia Reynicke)
In 1992 Lima, Lucia, Aurora, and their mother prepare to emigrate to the U.S., filled with hope and regret. Produced by Alva Film and Inicia Films, premiering in Generation Kplus. Sales: The Yellow Affair.
“The Undergrowth,” (Macu Machín)
Machín’s documentary debut in the Forum section presents three sisters in the Canary Islands embracing magical lyricism to navigate life without a traditional breadwinner. El Viaje Films (“White on White”) produces.
“You Burn Me,” (Matías Piñeiro)
Encounters title weaves a complex tale of emotions and relationships set across Argentina and Spain, capturing the essence of human connections, co-produced with Garbine Ortega and Melanie Schapiro.
European Film Market
“Artificial Justice,” (Simón Casal)
Produced by Tornasol Media, Abano Production, Ukbar Films:
in a future where AI could replace judges, judge Carmen Costa’s evaluation of new technology embroils her in a conspiracy, blending noir and intrigue. Sales: Latido
“The Captive,” (Alejandro Amenábar)
Captured by Moorish corsairs and held to ransom, which nobody pays, Miguel de Cervantes creativity blooms, as well as his resentment to Spain’s governing classes. Directed by Alejandro Amenábar (“The Others,” “The Sea Inside”). Sales: Film Constellation
“From My Cold Dead Hands” (Javier Horcajada)
This documentary offers a unique exploration of American gun culture through the lens of YouTube advocacy, presenting a nuanced view of gun rights enthusiasts. Sales: Sideral
“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
“The Imminent Age,” (Clara Serrano Llorens, Gerard Simó Gimeno, )
Set in contemporary Spain, the film explores the profound bond between 18-year-old Bruno and his 85-year-old grandmother Natividad, showcasing a unique family dynamic. Sales: Begin Again Films
“Jokes & Cigarettes,” (David Trueba)
Based on true events, David Verdaguer stars as Eugenio, Barcelona’s iconic comedian, capturing his unique humor and the paradox of his persona. A 2024 Goya Award frontrunner. Sales: Film Factory
“I’m Nevenka,” (Icíar Bollaín)
The real-life story of Spain’s landmark sexual harassment case, weaving a narrative of power, gender discrimination, and the courage to stand alone. Sales: Film Factory
“A Moroccan Affair,” (Álvaro Fernández Armero)
Spain’s biggest recent box office hit, grossing €11.9 million ($12.7 million) off a Dec. 1 bow. A comically prejudiced Spanish family hits Morocco. Telecinco Cinema (“The Impossible”) and Lazona produce Sales: Filmax
“Negu Hurbilak,” (Negu Collective, Cornelius Films, Maluta Films)
A woman’s desperate journey across the Basque Country’s border after 2011’s conflict resolution intertwines ancient myths with her contemporary struggles. Sales: Begin Again
“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, leading to a haunting exploration of loss. From Mr.Miyagi. Sales: FilmSharks Intl.
“The Rim,” (Alberto Gracia)
A film where a TV game show’s enigmatic world becomes a stage for revealing truths between reality and illusion, developed through various film workshops. produced by Filmika Galaika and Tasio. Sales: Begin Again
“Saturn Return,” (Isaki Lacuesta)
A rock band’s critical recording session in New York spirals into chaos. “One Year, One Night’s” Isaki Lacuesta directs. Backed by a broad industry alliance, including La Terraza, Aralán, Capricci, Ikiru, B-Team, Sideral. Sales: Latido
“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
“We Treat Women Too Well,” (Clara Bilbao)
Set in a secluded mountainous post office in 1945, a dramatic encounter unfolds over 24 hours, featuring Carmen Machi and Antonio de la Torre. Sales: Filmax
“Untitled,” (Alberto Rodríguez)
Alberto Rodríguez’s new feature delves into the life of a man coming to terms with his own mediocrity and the end of his era, promising a deep character study. Co-produced, like “I’m Nevenka,” by Movistar Plus+. Sales: Film Factory
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