Spanish Film Festival

Overview

The Spanish are once again bringing their special brand of fiesta to Sydney this May. The 13th Spanish Film Festival has a programme brimming with over 40 films, many of which come with a glittering array of festival accolades, including the Oscar-nominated short animation The Lady and the Reaper, which will open the festival along with the crowd pleasing rom-com Friends Zone.

Other critically acclaimed films include Berlinale winners The Milk of Sorrow, Crab Trap and Gigante, as well as the Goya- (Spanish Academy Awards) winning animation The Missing Lynx. And closing the festival is Agora, this year's favourite with six Goyas, by Oscar-winning director Alejandro Amenábar (The Sea Inside, The Others) and starring Rachel Weisz (The Constant Gardner) as the Greek mathematician and philosopher Hypatia. Set in fourth century Alexandria, this historical epic tracks the revolutionary rise of religion and the political and social upheavals that portend centuries of Classical tradition.

Alongside these new releases from Spain and Latin America, the festival has programmed an exciting All By Women section, highlighting the achievements of contemporary female filmmakers. Included among this great selection is the winner of this year's Goya for Best New Director, Mar Coll, with her debut feature, Three Days with the Family.

The festival is also shining the spotlight on director Fernando Trueba, who will be visiting Australia to conduct Q&A screenings of his new film The Dancer and the Thief. Audiences will also have the opportunity to catch up on his lauded films, including Oscar-winning Belle Epoque, the Civil War–set The Girl of Your Dreams and Trueba's love letter to Latin jazz, 54th Street.

Documentaries, Julio Medem's naked romp Room in Rome and a vibrant Viva La Musica section (including a Q&A screening with Sydney Dance Company artistic director Rafael Bonachela for Blank Canvas) are all vying for attention over a jam-packed 12 days. And keep an eye on the website for the special 'best of the fest', screening on a lucky 13th day!

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