Once again, HOME is hosting its annual celebration of Spanish and Latin American culture. Beginning in early March and lasting three whole weeks, the focus of ¡Viva! is on cinema. This year’s curated programme has a whopping 31 feature films, including 15 British premieres. There will be many different genres, made by both established filmmakers and trailblazing newcomers. Several of the screenings have introductions and/or Q+A sessions from the director. All the films have English subtitles and will be shown without adverts or trailers. Below are five must-see movies…
This multi-award nominated drama is set in Spain in 1936, at the beginning of the civil war. Celebrated writer and philosopher Miguel de Unamuno initially supports the military rebellion, but unknown to him, General Franco is planning to take full control. As the conflict turns bloody, Unamuno bravely denounces Franco’s revolt.
In Chile in the early 70s, Inés and Justo were part of a violent far-right group that plotted to destabilise President Allende’s government. Years later, the duo are now pillars of society in the country’s neoliberal democracy. But the sudden reappearance of a former ally from their nationalist days threatens their comfortable lives.
This quirky Argentinian drama mines surrealist, deadpan comedy from the absurdity of life. Two adolescent siblings travel to an out-of-season resort town to fulfil their late mother’s last wish: scatter her remains in the ocean. Unfortunately, all they have is her prosthetic hand. Trapped in this seaside hinterland, they take important steps into adulthood.
Based on real-life testimonies, this drama from Guatemalan director Jayro Bustamente explores a group vilified in his country. Pablo is a model citizen: wealthy, married, a father of two and a practising Christian. But when he falls passionately in love with another man, Pablo’s family and church vehemently resolve to help him ‘heal’.
www.homemcr.org
- Words:
- A. James Simpkin
- Published on:
- Fri 6 Mar 2020
Opening the festival is the powerful first feature from Catalan writer/director Belén Funes. Likened to the works of Ken Loach, it centres on 22-year-old Sara, who struggles to look after her infant son and troubled brother in a poor area of Barcelona. Her situation is made worse with the arrival of her deeply unreliable father.