Catalonia's Lasting Impact: Nearly a Decade After 'Summer 1993,' Continued Emergence of Remarkable New Filmmakers From the Region, Led by Carla Simón
Catalonia's Thriving Film Scene Shines Brightly on the Global Stage
Catalonia, a region in Spain, is making a significant impact on the international film scene, with its commitment to independent cinema and nurturing of new talent. This vibrant film community is producing some of the most innovative and acclaimed films in recent years.
One such director making waves is Clara Serrano Llorens, the director of "The Imminent Age." Serrano Llorens, who studied at the Pompeu Fabra University, was influenced by Carla Simón, a Goya-winning filmmaker whose sophomore feature film "Alcarrás" won the Golden Bear at this year's Berlin International Film Festival. Simón's film "Romería" also played in competition at Cannes this year. Mireia Graell of Ringo Media, a film production company based in Catalonia, produced Serrano Llorens' film.
The Catalan film community is known for championing diverse talent and providing a supportive environment for debuting directors. Lucía Aleñar Iglesias, director of the film "Forastera," praises this aspect, stating that the Catalan film community is taking great care of the development process, with mentors and resources available to help new filmmakers. Iglesias' Catalan production "Forastera" won the Fipresci Prize for Emerging Filmmakers in Toronto.
The creative freedom in Catalonia is another factor that allows for diverse debuts and unique perspectives. Gemma Blasco, director of the award-winning film "Fury," praises this freedom, stating that it allows for a wide range of films to be made, from small, intimate projects to larger productions. Blasco's film won three major prizes in Málaga, and "Fury" was produced by Ringo Media.
The Catalan film fund is a global example of supporting filmmakers, even those working on very small films. This support has resulted in numerous successes, with films such as Estibaliz Urresola Solaguren's feature debut "20,000 Species of Bees," which won the Silver Bear for best leading performance at Berlin, and Oliver Laxe's film "Sirât," which won the Jury Prize ex-aequo at Cannes this year. "Sirât" has recently been selected as Spain's entry for the best international feature Oscar.
Júlia de Paz is another director making waves in Catalonia, working on her follow-up film "The Good Daughter." Goya-winning Irene Moray is also working on her first feature film "Sealskin."
The increased funding for films in Catalonia has made it more accessible for filmmakers, leading to even more innovative and acclaimed films being produced in the region. Eva Libertad's film "Deaf" won the Audience Award in Berlin, and Lucía Aleñar Iglesias' praises the Catalan film community for championing diverse talent.
The Catalan crew of "Forastera" includes producers Marta Cruañas, Ari Dot, Tono Folguera, and cinematographer Agnès Piqué Corbera. The search results do not provide information about the new talent from Catalonia produced by Ringo Media, which supported Gemma Blasco's film "Fury." However, it is clear that Catalonia is a hub for innovative and acclaimed filmmaking, with a strong commitment to independent cinema and nurturing new talent.
