Cover Penélope Cruz and Antonio Banderas in 'Competencia Oficial'
Penélope Cruz and Antonio Banderas in 'Competencia Oficial'
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Moviegoers get a chance to see critically acclaimed Spanish films in three participating theatre venues in this year's Spanish Film Festival
PELÍCULA, the Spanish Film Festival accessible in the Philippines, Malaysia, and Australia, arrives at its 21st edition marked by the return to in-person screenings. After running it virtually for the past two years, Instituto Cervantes Manila showcases quality films at EDSA Shangri-La Plaza, Cine Adarna at the UP Diliman, and Instituto Cervantes Intramuros branch.
Aside from its exciting lineup, a special feature of this year's edition is dedicated to the 1953 Cannes-winning film by Juan Antonio Bardem, Muerte de un Ciclista. It is a social realist Spanish drama about an adulterous pair of lovers whose lives are about to turn around after hitting a cyclist.
Moviegoers are encouraged to vote for their favourite entry. The film with the most votes will receive the Audience Choice award and will be screened again on PELÍCULA's closing night.
Here are some of the films you must see:
'El Buen Patron' (2021)
A 2021 comedy film directed by award-winning screenwriter and filmmaker Fernando León de Aranoa and starring Oscar winner Javier Bardem. It's about an owner of an industrial scales manufacturing business who tries to get his company an award for excellence while resolving problems with his workers at the same time.
'El Test' (2022)
A 2022 Dani de la Orden flick about a broke couple who have to decide whether to get €100,000 now or €1,000,000 10 years later.
'Con Quién Viajas' (2021)
A dialogue-heavy road film full of comical situations and thrills and tension. It is directed by Martín Cuervo.
'La Boda de Rosa' (2020)
A 2020 romcom film by Icíar Bollaín that portrays a burnt-out woman in her mid-40s who sets out to start anew by marrying herself.
'Sentimental' (2020)
A 2020 Cesc Gay film about two couples who explore the secrets of keeping the fire alive in long-term relationships.
'Rendir los Machos' (2021)
A 2021 David Pantaleón film, tells the story of two brothers who are forced to move their cattle across the wild and hand over them to their greatest rival to receive the inheritance from their father.
'A Las Mujeres de España: María Lejárraga' (2022)
A 2022 documentary by Laura Hojman, it tells the story María Lejárraga, a writer and pioneer of feminism in Spain during the 1920s.
'La Hija' (2021)
Manuel Martín Cuenca's 2021 thriller is about a pregnant teenager from juvenile detention who agreed to give her baby to a couple desperate to have a child.
'Maixabel' (2021)
A 2021 Icíar Bollaín production based on a true story of a widow who met one of her husband’s assassins in prison after breaking ties with the Spanish separatist group.
'El Olvido que Seremos' (2020)
A 2020 Colombian film by Fernando Trueba that is about an author recounting his life with his father who fought against oppression and social inequality and was killed by Colombian paramilitaries.
'Algo Azul' (2021)
Directed by Mariel García Spooner, this film follows a hotel employee who steals an expensive wedding dress.
'Competencia Oficial' (2021)
A 2021 Spanish-Argentinean comedy directed by Gastón Duprat and Mariano Cohn, and led by Penélope Cruz, Antonio Banderas, and Oscar Martínez. It’s about a wealthy businessman who wants to produce a brilliant art film.
All the screenings are FREE entrance. All the movies are in Spanish (or their original language) with English subtitles.
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About
Before assuming the Art and Culture Editor position, Franz has always had a penchant for visual and performing arts. He is passionate about exploring and writing about the local cultural scene and rediscovering the country’s storied past and rich heritage. Besides working on this luxury lifestyle magazine, Franz is an avid book reader, local traveller, museum-goer, chorister, and community theatre playwright.
Work
Franz earned a degree in Journalism from the University of Santo Tomas. He writes about local visual and performing artists and their craft; drinks wines, liquors, and spirits and talks about the creativity of their respective winemakers and master blenders; tries to learn more about business and investments; respects the tradition and artistry that go behind the making of watches and jewellery; and appreciates the genius of architecture and creative design.
As head of Tatler Philippines’ pool of writers, he helps them bring impactful and socially relevant stories to light.
For any leads, you may reach him through @franzsorillaiv on Instagram or franz@tatlerphilippines.com via email.
