Cover ‘Dispararon al Pianista’ (They Shot the Piano Player) by Fernando Trueba
‘Dispararon al Pianista’ (They Shot the Piano Player) by Fernando Trueba
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With 25 carefully selected films, Película 2024 showcases an outstanding array of Spanish-language cinema—from dramas to comedic triumphs. Here’s your guide to some of the films this year
Few events capture imaginative genius quite like the Película Spanish Film Festival. Each October, the festival transforms Manila into a gateway to the heart of Spanish-language cinema—offering more than just films, but immersive paths into worlds shaped by history, passion, and creativity.
Now in its 23rd edition, Película 2024 at Edsa Shangri-La Plaza continues to push the boundaries of storytelling, bringing to life a collection of films that continues to challenge, inspire, and entertain. From the playful absurdity of Casa en Llamas to the poetic quietude of Cerrar los Ojos, this year’s lineup is a cinematic banquet for the discerning viewer. If you’re ready to step beyond the ordinary and explore the unexpected, this guide is your perfect companion for the festival’s standout moments.
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‘Robot Dreams’ by Pablo Berger
Above Watch the trailer for Robot Dreams, an animated film from Blancanieves director, Pablo Berger.
Kicking off the festival with a heartwarming bang, Robot Dreams is a multi-award-winning animated feature that explores the poignant relationship between a robot and his canine companion. Berger, known for his work in Blancanieves, brings a refreshing depth to animation, making it a perfect opener for PELÍCULA.
‘Carmen’ by Antonio Gades
Above Intense, strong and dramatic scene that represents the strength of Spanish Dance.
No stranger to the stage or screen, Carmen comes alive in this filmed adaptation of the iconic flamenco production by Antonio Gades. A powerful synthesis of dance, theater, and music, this rendition is a tribute to Spanish heritage, reminding viewers why Carmen remains an immortal character in the cultural lexicon.
‘Loli Tormenta’ by Agustí Villaronga
Above A pleasant and heartfelt film about a nice grandmother who takes great care of her grandchildren.
Get ready for a burst of laughter and tears with Loli Tormenta. This heartfelt comedy, infused with family dynamics, brings the quirky humor Villaronga is known for, offering a lighter but no less meaningful entry into the festival’s lineup.
‘Cerrar los ojos’ by Víctor Erice
Above Julio Arenas, a famous actor, disappears during the filming of a movie. Although his body is never found, the police conclude that he has suffered an accident at the seaside. Years later, this kind of mystery comes back to the news.
In Cerrar los ojos, acclaimed filmmaker Víctor Erice returns with a meditative tale on identity, memory, and loss. The film transports its audience into the intricate emotional landscapes of its characters, solidifying Erice’s place among Spain’s top auteurs.
‘La Estrella Azul’ by Javier Macipe
Above In the early 1990s, Spanish rock and roll musician Mauricio tries to reconnect with his vocation and travels through Argentina, where he meets an elderly musician going through hard times.
From the vibrant streets of Argentina comes La Estrella Azul, a thoughtful exploration of dreams and aspirations. Macipe’s evocative style captures the struggles of pursuing one’s passion in a world that often demands conformity.
‘Casa en Llamas’ by Dani de la Orden
Above A House on Fire is a 2024 Spanish-Italian comedy-drama film directed by Dani de la Orden and written by Eduard Sola which stars Emma Vilarasau, Enric Auquer, Maria Rodríguez Soto, Alberto San Juan, Clara Segura, José Pérez-Ocaña, and Macarena García. It is the highest-grossing Catalan-language film of all time.
When chaos hits home—quite literally. In Casa en Llamas, de la Orden delivers a fast-paced, witty story of a family trying to make sense of their unravelling lives, navigating through moments of absurdity and tenderness. A comedy with heart, this film is sure to leave you reflective between laughs.
‘Pacarrete’ by Allan Deberton
Above Russas, a small town in northeastern Brazil, is the home of Pacarrete, a grumpy retired dance teacher who dreams of getting a big shot and starring at a dance spectacle for the whole town to see.
This Brazilian gem is a tale of resilience and eccentricity. Pacarrete focuses on an ageing ballet dancer determined to perform for her small-town community, regardless of the lack of interest. It’s a bittersweet, heartfelt portrait of artistry in its twilight years.
‘Hispanoamérica, canto de vida y esperanza’ by José Luis López Linares
Above Hispanoamérica, canto de vida y esperanza is a Spanish historical documentary film. It was directed by José Luis López-Linares and released in 2024.
A visually stunning documentary, Hispanoamérica is a sweeping exploration of the historical ties and cultural intersections between Spain and Latin America. López Linares crafts a lyrical homage to the shared narratives between the Old World and the New.
‘Puan’ by María Alché and Benjamín Naishtat
Above Puan is a 2023 comedy-drama film directed and written by María Alché and Benjamín Naishtat.
Argentina delivers again with Puan, a charming and insightful comedy about academia, existential dilemmas, and intellectual sparring. If you’re looking for sharp dialogue, engaging performances, and a touch of South American wit, this film is for you.
‘El Público’ by Mauricio Sotelo
Above The Public, opera in five scenes with a prologue is an opera by the Spanish composer Mauricio Sotelo. The libretto was written by Andrés Ibáñez, based on the play of the same name by Federico García Lorca.
Blurring the lines between theatre, opera, and cinema, El Público is an avant-garde adaptation of Lorca’s controversial play. Sotelo's composition embraces the flamenco tradition while pushing the boundaries of narrative and form, making this a standout feature in the festival’s theatrical section.
‘Rioja, la tierra de los mil vinos’ by José Luis López Linares
Above By telling the human stories behind the entire value chain that gives life to the Spanish wine with the greatest international projection, ‘Rioja, Land of the Thousand Wines’ portrays a currently blooming wine region underpinned by the talent and the work of the new generations of winemakers that operate side by side with the region’s historic wineries.
For wine lovers, Rioja is more than just a documentary—it’s a love letter to one of Spain’s most revered wine regions. With stunning cinematography and an in-depth look into the world of viticulture, this film will leave you craving a glass of Rioja’s finest.
‘Las Hijas’ by Kattia Zúñiga
Above A group of 55-year-old friends in Panama decide to take ballet classes together, like they did when they were schoolgirls. Inspired by their 26-year-old teacher, they soon switch to bolder dance moves.
This Panamanian drama is a striking look at the complexities of familial relationships and the lengths one goes to for love and survival. Zúñiga paints a moving portrait of sisterhood, set against a backdrop of political unrest.
‘Fuenteovejuna’ by Antonio Gades
Above Antonio Gades’ last choreographed work, Fuenteovejuna, is a signature piece of purity and precision of Spanish dance.
The festival also pays homage to Spain’s literary heritage with Fuenteovejuna, a dance adaptation of Lope de Vega’s classic play. The riveting choreography, brought to life by Gades’ vision, elevates this tale of rebellion and justice to new heights.
‘Dispararon al Pianista’ by Fernando Trueba
Above They Shot the Piano Player (Spanish: Dispararon al pianista) is a 2023 adult animated docudrama film directed by Fernando Trueba and Javier Mariscal.
Trueba’s latest documentary is an engaging investigation into a life cut short—a jazz pianist whose brilliance remains overshadowed by his mysterious death. This film is a compelling fusion of music, mystery, and memoir, making it a must-see for fans of the genre.
‘Te Estoy Amando Locamente’ by Alejandro Marín
Above Love & Revolution is a 2023 Spanish historical drama film directed by Alejandro Marín starring Ana Wagener and Omar Banana alongside Alba Flores.
In this audacious comedy, Marín explores love, passion, and all the absurdities that come with it. Set in the vibrant 1980s, this film captures the liberating spirit of Spain’s post-Franco era, blending humour with nostalgia in a way that’s utterly irresistible.
The best of the best: The Audience Choice Award
As in previous editions, the Audience Choice Award will return this year, giving viewers the power to crown the festival’s top film. By voting after each screening, festival-goers can help determine which cinematic masterpiece will be featured during the festival’s closing ceremony on October 13.
This year’s Película Spanish Film Festival is a bridge between cultures, histories, and artistic visions. Whether you're a longtime fan of the festival or a newcomer, these films offer a passport to worlds filled with love, intrigue, and discovery.
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Angela Nicole Regis Guiral is a digital editor at Tatler Philippines. She studied journalism and has since written features that look closely at how culture, lifestyle and social impact converge, while occasionally wandering into the worlds of style and travel.
