Moro Spanish Film Festival 2019
A comprehensive guide to exploring Spanish film, culture and cuisine in Melbourne.
It has been 122 years since the first Spanish films graced the big screen, and 121 since Latin America’s initial foray into cinema. That’s more than a century of mesmerising movies from two pivotal corners of the world — regions that have given audiences such exceptional filmmakers as Luis Buñuel, Pedro Almodóvar and Alejandro Amenábar, as well as recent Oscar-winning directors Alejandro González Iñárritu, Alfonso Cuarón and Guillermo del Toro.
Since 1998, Spanish-language films have reached Australian cinemas in a big way, all thanks to the Moro Spanish Film Festival. Now in its huge 22nd year, the annual fest showcases the latest and greatest films from both Spain and Latin America. In 2019, it’s where you’ll find 32 vibrant movies flickering across Palace Cinemas’ screens around the country, including high-profile stars, tributes to applauded talent and an impressive showcase of 11 titles by female directors.
Spanish is the second most widely spoken language in the world, coming in behind Chinese but ranking above English. Portuguese, Latin America’s most prominent language, ranks sixth globally.
Dating back to 1725, Madrid is home to the oldest continuously operating restaurant in the world, Sobrino de Botín. Artist Francisco de Goya worked as a dishwasher later in the 18th century, and Ernest Hemingway mentioned it in his 1926 novel The Sun Also Rises.
Olive oil isn’t just the subject of one of this year’s Moro Spanish Film Festival standout documentaries, Virgin & Extra: Jaén, The Land of the Olive Oil. It’s also Spain’s major export, with the country producing almost half of the world’s supplies.
At the Academy Awards, Spain ranks third for both wins and nominations in the foreign-language film category, taking home the Oscar in 1982 (for To Begin Again), 1993 (for Belle Epoque), 1999 (for All About My Mother) and 2004 (for The Sea Inside).
FILMS TO SEE
Feel-good comedies, bona fide Spanish classics, new faces and shining stars — they’re all on the Moro Spanish Film Festival lineup this year. If you’re a fan of Spanish-language cinema, consider yourself spoilt for choice. And if you’re eager to feast your eyes on the most colourful, creative and crowd-pleasing films that Spain and Latin America have to offer, don’t delay. Your only chance to see these flicks on a big screen is at this film festival.
Ana by Day
A twisty thriller about life, working out who you are and potentially being replaced by your doppelgänger.
Carmen & Lola
One of the year’s queer standouts, following two women’s quest to be together in a strict Catholic community.
Rojo
This festival circuit hit steps into the corruption and crime of the 1970s, as anchored by Argentinian star Dario Grandinetti.
The Good Girls
The wives — and lives — of the wealthy hit the screen in this 80s-set, ‘Real Housewives of Mexico City’-style satirical drama.
Champions
This heartwarming underdog comedy pairs a wayward basketball coach with an amateur team with mental disabilities.
Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown
A romp of a film by Pedro Almodóvar, this 1988 comedy helped make a star out of Antonio Banderas.
FILMS TO SEE
Feel-good comedies, bona fide Spanish classics, new faces and shining stars — they’re all on the Moro Spanish Film Festival lineup this year. If you’re a fan of Spanish-language cinema, consider yourself spoilt for choice. And if you’re eager to feast your eyes on the most colourful, creative and crowd-pleasing films that Spain and Latin America have to offer, don’t delay. Your only chance to see these flicks on a big screen is at this film festival.
A Little Spain in Melbourne
Tapas in Thornbury, paella in Hosier Lane, churros in Fitzroy, Iberian wines in the CBD — when it comes to pairing your visit to the Moro Spanish Film Festival with the appropriate cuisine, Melbourne isn’t short on options. Add a spot of flamenco dancing and a visit to your local pub to keep an eye on the soccer, and there’s more than one way to pretend you’re in Spain without hopping on a plane.
Cafes
1. Arepa Days
2. Nomada Cafe y Tapas - CLOSED
3. Sonido!
4. Fonda Collingwood
Restaurants
1. Lamaro's Bodega
2. Benzina Cantina
3. Palermo
4. Bodega Underground
5. MoVida
