American Cinematheque in collaboration with the Instituto de la Cinematografía y de las Artes Audiovisuales (ICAA) of the Spanish Ministry of Culture and Consulate General of Spain in Los Angeles and with the support of EGEDA,
ELMA (European Languages and Movies in America) and the Tourist Office of Spain presents the RECENT SPANISH CINEMA XV.
Once the domain of a few noted auteurs such as Luis Bunuel, Spanish-language cinema has exploded in recent years to encompass everything from audacious art-house dramas (the masterpieces of Albert Serra) to genre-bending sci-fi films (F. Javier Gutierrez’s BEFORE THE FALL). Audiences in Spain are growing, and viewers are considerably younger, encouraging a range and adventurousness in that country’s cinema that is revitalizing movies around the globe -- a situation that is enhanced by the fact that links between Spanish and Latin American cinema are stronger than ever. Latin American actors, directors and technicians are enriching the Spanish industry, and co-productions are at an all-time high.
Meanwhile, contemporary Spanish directors have led the way in exploring new approaches to traditional film genres, many of which can be appreciated in this year’s selection. This collection of vital new Spanish films includes . Raul Garcia & Manuel Sicilia’s animated film THE MISSING LYNX as well as movies that reinvent existing genres -- Gutierrez’s BEFORE THE FALL, for example, offers a distinctive brand of science fiction that favors suggestion and speculation over special effects. We’re also showing the latest film by acclaimed director Alex de la Iglesia (THE OXFORD MURDERS) and showcasing up and coming filmmakers like Santiago Zannou (THE ONE-HAND TRICK). Add in stunning new performances by Maribel Verdu, Javier Camara, Diego Luna, Ariadna Gil and Victoria Abril -- along with six-Goya Award-winner CAMINO and two-time winner THE ONE-HAND TRICK -- and you’ve got a crash course in the most exciting movement currently going on in world cinema. All films in Spanish with English subtitles unless otherwise noted.
Thursday, June 4 – 7:30 PM Recent Spanish Cinema Opening Night:6 Goya Awards! Director In-Person! Los Angeles Premiere! CAMINO, 2008, 143 min. Dir. Javier Fesser. Camino (Nerea Camacho) is a bouncy 11-year-old girl whose happy, God-centric life in Madrid is spent between her religious school and a home dominated by her pious, authoritarian mother, Gloria (Carme Elias). Her family belongs to Opus Dei, the controversial Catholic organization founded by Spain's recently canonized Jose Maria Escriva. Then the back pains that have been troubling Camino turn out to have a serious origin… Winner of 6 Goya Awards, including Best Film, Best Director and Best Screenplay. "Few films manage to balance Hollywood sentiment and European irony as successfully." -- Lee Marshall, Screen Daily; "Perfs are superb across the board." -- Jonathan Holland, Variety Trailer | Official website Discussion following with director Javier Fesser.
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