As a passionate cinephile with a penchant for exploring the nuances of human stories, I find myself utterly captivated by this year’s First Look projects from Spain showcased at the Locarno Film Festival. Each film seems to delve deep into the complexities of life, love, and identity, offering unique perspectives that promise a rich cinematic experience.
To start off, the work-in-progress section of the Locarno Film Festival’s Locarno Pro industry segment has revealed the six nearly finished films that will be showcased prominently during its upcoming 13th edition this year.
As a film enthusiast with a passion for discovering new talent and unique storytelling, I am particularly excited about this year’s event. The focus country is Spain, a land rich in cinematic history and creativity. The promising feature films that will be showcased are a testament to the vibrant film industry in Spain.
“Among more than 40 project proposals, those chosen are all currently without sales representation. This selection was made by a committee consisting of Xavier Garcia Puerto (Tallinn Black Nights Festival/REC – International Festival of Cinema in Tarragona), Susana Santos Rodriguez (IndieLisboa/IFFR), and Cecilia Barrionuevo (ECAM – Escuela de Cinematografía y Audiovisual de Madrid). The chosen projects will be showcased to accredited industry professionals by the respective producers.”
The panel that will bestow multiple awards consists of Beatrice Fiorentino (artistic director of Venice’s International Film Critics’ Week), Kerem Ayan (director of Istanbul Film Festival), and Mercedes Martínez-Abarca (programmer for the International Film Festival Rotterdam).
As a seasoned filmmaker with years of experience under my belt, I find the Antaviana Film First Look Award particularly appealing. Covering post-production services up to €50,000 ($54,076) is a game-changer for indie films like mine that often struggle with budget constraints. The post-production company Laserfilm cine y vídeo award of €5,000 ($5,407) can be used for essential services such as subtitles, audio descriptions, and transcriptions, which are crucial for making our work accessible to a wider audience.
The winners will be unveiled during the Locarno Pro Award Ceremony on Sunday, Aug. 11.
Below is a look at this year’s six First Look projects.
L’Aguait
Fiction
Directed by: Marc Ortiz
Made by: Paloma Mora (TV ON Productions, ADMIRABLE FILMS) and Marc Munoz (la Malanga Productions Audiovisuals)
Teresa Pla, who was initially identified as female at birth but identifies as male, faces challenges in being acknowledged within the traditional Spanish society of the early to mid-1900s. Despite these societal constraints, he endures oppression from various groups including guerrillas, outlaws, and the Civil Guard.
Bodegón con fantasmas
Fiction
Directed by: Enrique Buleo
Created by: Alejandra Mora (Four Visual Productions SL), Alicia Yubero (Beware of the Dog), Snezana van Houwelingen (This and That), Roberto Butragueño (Sideral)
Tormented by the hardships and dilemmas of existence and mortality, the spirits and inhabitants of the humble town of La Mancha are determined to resolve their struggles. They won’t flinch from executing extraordinary and perilous schemes to find a solution.
Dream of Another Summer
Experimental
Directed by: Irene Bartolomé
Created by: Pere Marzo (Colibrí Studio), Irene Bartolomé (I.B. Films), and Elie Kamal (The Attic Productions)
In the spirit of a captivated admirer, let me share my perspective on the narrative titled “Dream of Another Summer.” This tale revolves around an encounter between a fainting woman and a city in decay, serving as a vehicle to delve into the profound connection we humans have with our surroundings. The story invites us to ponder upon our mortality and resilience, not just as individuals, but also as a city – a collective entity teeming with life and history.
Mares (Mums)
Documentary
Directed by: Ariadna Seuba
As a passionate admirer, I’d like to highlight that this masterpiece was brought to life by the creative minds of Carles Brugeras, Marieke van der Bersselaar from Polar Star Films, and María Nova López of Intactes Films. What an incredible team!
Narrative: Mares guides viewers through a deeply personal and moving experience as director Ari (aged 32) and partner Anna (at 41) embark on their quest to start a family. Initially, it’s Anna who initiates assisted reproduction procedures, while Ariadna documents their journey with her camera.
Prefiro condenarme
Documentary
Directed by: Margarita Ledo-Andión
Produced by: Olaia Ledo, Carmen Ciller (Nós Produtora Cinematográfica Galega.)
In 1972, Sagrario Fra, a woman who gathered shellfish in Ferrol, was found guilty of adultery by the Ecclesiastical Court of Santiago de Compostela. During that time, many women were either jailed or confined to mental institutions for crimes often associated with females. However, Sagrario’s perception of love was a form of defiance. In her, there lies a spirit reminiscent of Antigone – one that transcends boundaries like birds flying between heaven and earth.
Río abajo, un tigre
Fiction
Directed by: Víctor Diago
Produced by: Montse Pujol Solà (Boogaloo Films)
In my own narrative, I, Julia, sought refuge in Glasgow with dreams of fresh starts, but time has shown me a different reality. By day, I chase my passion for photography; by night, I find solace in washing dishes. One eventful afternoon, as I captured the bustling crowd on film, I felt my vision faltering. As shadows of illness enveloped me, I found myself delving into my past and that of this city, unearthing memories of a cryptic group retrieving trinkets from the river, and Shubham, an Indian lad who, much like myself, yearned for new beginnings.
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2024-07-31 13:25