FESTIVALMÁLAGADE SPANISH CINEMA SHINES AT THE 26TH EDITION OF THE

WORDS MARISA CUTILLAS PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF THE FESTIVAL DE MÁLAGA

Málaga is beginning to feel a little more like Cannes or Los Angeles, as the spring season and the 26th edition of the Festival de Málaga fast approach. This event, born in 1998, will be bringing glamour and artistry to Málaga from March 10 to 19 and will unfold in a myriad of venues across the city. This year’s edition shares the same mission as its predecessors: to promote Spanish cinema both here and abroad. It also seeks to establish Málaga as a city that is steeped in culture and creativity.

Highlights Of The Event

SO MUCH WILL BE GOING ON AT ONCE, BUT SOME OF THE HIGHLIGHTS TO WATCH OUT FOR INCLUDE

WHAT’S ON AT THE FESTIVAL?

The Festival de Málaga will feature Spanish cinema in all its forms –including feature films, documentaries, and short films. It will additionally pay homage to renowned personalities from the cinematic world, and entice cinema goers with various exhibitions and parallel activities. Although the main awards event will be taking place at the Teatro Cervantes, participating venues will include the elegant Teatro del Soho Caixabank, the smaller but still iconic Teatro Echegaray, and the classic movie theatre, Cine Albéniz. Events will also be taking place in iconic spots such as the Museo Picasso Málaga Auditorium, Calle Larios, Muelle Uno, Plaza de la Constitución, Plaza de la Merced, and more.

THE BIZNAGA DE ORO COMPETITION

CONSIDER THIS MÁLAGA’S VERSION OF CANNES’ PALM D’OR. EVERY YEAR, THE FESTIVAL PICKS FILMS THAT WILL FORM PART OF ITS ‘OFFICIAL SELECTION’. THE CHOSEN FILMS COMPETE FOR THE COVETED BIZNAGA (AN AWARD WHOSE DESIGN IS INSPIRED ON MÁLAGA’S FAMOUS WHITE, MULTI-PETALLED FLOWER). THIS YEAR, THEY ARE:

BAJO TERAPIA (IN THERAPY), DIRECTED BY GERARDO HERRERO

This film is based on a play by Matías del Federico and stars

Malena Alterio, Alexandra Jiménez, Fele Martínez, Antonio

Pagudo, Eva Ugarte, and Juan Carlos Vellido.

» The plot is as follows: Three couples attend an unusual type of group therapy. The therapist gives them envelopes with instructions they will have to analyze as a group. The mechanics of the game encourage them to talk, argue, and reveal exactly who they are. The humorous but emotional journey of each character reaches unexpected destinations. ›

EMPIEZA EL BAILE (THE DANCE BEGINS), BY MARINA SERESESKY

Darío Grandinetti and Mercedes Morán are the stars of this comedy about true love. They are joined by a talented cast comprising Pastora Vega, Jorge Marrale, Agostina Pozzi, Lautaro Zera, Marcelo Xicarts, and Carolina Sobisch.

» Synopsis: Carlos and Margarita were once the most famous tango-dancing couple of their generation. Today, little is left of the splendour that saw them share stages, travels, and the very best moments of their lives. Carlos lives in Madrid, while Margarita resides in Buenos Aires, immersed in poverty and solitude. Both dancers decide to travel with their friend, Pichuquito, in an attempt to reconcile their present with their past and to find something pure and whole in what remains.

UNA VIDA NO TAN SIMPLE (A NOT-SO SIMPLE LIFE), BY FÉLIX VISCARRET

A film about people experiencing a professional and generational crisis. Starring Miki Esparbé, Álex García, Olaya Caldera, Ana Polvorosa, Julián Villagrán, and Ramón Barea.

» Plot summary: Isaías, aged 40, was once a promising architect. Now, he spends his days between his architecture studio and the park outside his children’s school. His relationship with his wife, Ainhoa, reflects the passage of time and the extent to which caring for kids can put strain on a marriage. Isaías becomes friends with Sonia, the mother of another child at school. He soon realises that raising kids and being a responsible adult aren’t as simple as they sound.

20,000 ESPECIES DE ABEJAS (20,000 BEE SPECIES), DIRECTED BY ESTÍBALIZ URRESOLA SOLAGUREN

This film deals with diversity in its widest sense, and stars Patricia López Arnaiz, Ane Gabarain, Itziar Lazkano, Sofía Otero, Sara Cózar, Martxelo Rubio, Unax Hayden, Andere Garabieta, and Miguel Garcés.

» Its plot is as follows: Lucía is an eight-year-old who is being bullied at school. Her mother, Ane, is submerged in a profound professional and sentimental crisis. When the summer arrives, Ane decides to take her three kids to her mother’s house, where her aunt Lourdes – who is involved in beekeeping – also lives. It will be the summer of their lives; one in which they alone decide how they wish to express themselves to the world. ›