In celebration of International Women’s Day, Instituto Cervantes, in collaboration with the Embassy of Spain, AECID, and UP Círculo Hispánico, will present a film series directed by contemporary Spanish female filmmakers.
The series will showcase a selection of impactful films that highlight the talent and powerful creativity of women in Spanish cinema.
The series will kick off on March 7 at 2:00 PM at the UPFI Film Center (UP Diliman) with the screening of El olivo (The Olive Tree), directed by Icíar Bollaín. This poignant drama tells the story of Alma, a young Spanish woman deeply connected to her grandfather, who has stopped speaking for years. When he begins to refuse food, Alma becomes obsessed with the idea of saving him by recovering the ancient olive tree that the family uprooted and sold against his will 12 years earlier.
The next featured film is on March 13 at 2:00 PM is 15 Years and 1 Day (2001), directed by Gracia Querejeta. The film explores the evolving relationship between a rebellious teenager, Jon, and his grandfather Max, a retired soldier. After Jon is expelled from school, his mother sends him to live with Max, hoping that the older man will help him turn his life around. The two men confront their fears and limitations, finding common ground in the process. This screening will be held at the Intramuros branch of Instituto Cervantes.
On March 20, at 2:00 pm, the third screening will take place at the same Intramuros venue, featuring Yuli (2018), directed by Icíar Bollaín. This biographical drama follows the life of Cuban dancer Carlos Acosta, who plays himself in the film. From his humble beginnings in a poor neighborhood of Havana to becoming a star at one of the world’s leading ballet companies, Yuli showcases the dancer’s struggle to overcome personal and cultural barriers. Despite initially rejecting his father’s wishes for him to dance, Carlos eventually rises to become the first black dancer to perform Romeo at the Royal Ballet in London, cementing his place as one of the greatest dancers of his generation. The screening of this film will be followed by a discussion in Spanish between Instituto Cervantes’ staff and the attending audience.
This film series will conclude on March 27 at 2:00 PM with Cerdita (Piggy), a critically acclaimed thriller directed by Carlota Pereda. Set in a small Spanish town, the film follows Sara, a teenager who endures constant fatphobic bullying from her peers. The bullying takes a dark turn when a stranger arrives and kidnaps her tormentors. Sara, who knows what has happened, must choose between speaking up to save the girls or keeping silent to protect the man who saved her.
All films will be screened in their original Spanish language with English subtitles. Except for the opening film, screenings will be held at the Intramuros branch of Instituto Cervantes (855 Calle Real, San Luis Complex, Intramuros, Manila).
Admission is free, with seating on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information, visit Instituto Cervantes’ website at www.manila.cervantes.es, or follow them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/InstitutoCervantesManila.
