Spanish Film Festival Arrives With 34 New Films
The Spanish Film Festival returns this year with a program of 34 of the best feature films from Spain, Australia, Latin America, and the USA, starring A-listers including Penelope Cruz, Antonio Banderas, Oscar Martinez and Blanca Portillo.
COVID-19 has had an affect on the Spanish film industry over the past few years, but CEO Benjamin Zeccola explained that there are many excellent films filtering through.
“There are still many films around and there’s no doubt that there would have been interruptions and dips in productions, but I think that those films which were green lit and were going to be made have been made. We have ample supplies of films to choose from for this festival.”
The Year Of Fury is a film which Zeccola highly recommends for festival attendees who enjoy thrillers.
“Set in 1972 Uruguay there’s a military dictatorship brewing but there’s still opposition, news broadcasts and there’s this comedy sketch show which is starting to feel the pressure of the regime. There’s a couple of love stories that play out against this background of a military take over of a democratic country and some tough inspirational drop dead gorgeous characters who resist.”
Audiences who enjoy documentaries should put the premiere of local award-winning Spanish film Our Voices on their must-see list. “It’s the story of a group of Spanish speaking migrants who came to Australia between the 60s and 80s and it shows the contribution they made to our culture.”
There are films for all tastes and Zeccola explained that everybody should come along and watch a film or two. “These film festivals are so fascinating now especially as it’s hard to travel and it’s a lot cheaper than a flight to Europe. For the duration of a film, you’ll feel like you’re in that place whether you’re in Argentina or Spain. It’s as good as a holiday.
Apr 19-May 15. Palace Central, Norton St, Verona & Chauvel. $19-$23+b.f. Tickets & Info: www.spanishfilmfestival.com
HOT PICKS
Encanto: An animated family flick about the Madrigal family who live in the mountains of Columbia. Spoken in Spanish.
The Big Love Picture: A romantic comedy about a couple who have come to the realisation that they have fallen out of love.
Immersion: Suspense thriller which surrounds a man and his daughter’s ordeal as they encounter some fishermen in a sinking boat while sailing.
