Don't Miss These Spanish Film Festival Standouts, Nov 17-25

The last few days have graced us Beijingers with not only air that one can practically chew, but also a reminder that winter is indeed coming. To counter it, the ninth edition of the Spanish Film Festival looks to warm us up with 10 movies from near the equator, bringing steamy action and hotter passion. The movies will be screened between Nov 17-25 at the Lumière Beijing Longfor Paradise Walk IMAX Cinema and the Lumière Beijing Parkview Green Cinema (scroll down for directories). All films will be screened in Spanish with English and Chinese subtitles.

We asked Cultural Counsellor of the Spanish Embassy Gloria Mínguez Ropiñón a few questions and movie recommendations ahead of the festival.

Now in its ninth edition, how has the Spanish Film Festival changed throughout the years and how will this year's event be different?
We have improved not only in terms of management and planning but also in deciding our goals for this showcase. We dedicated former editions to a theme – Spanish female directors, particular genres or filmmakers, etc. While these were rewarding experiments, in the end, we realized that the audience was the most satisfied when we presented them with a comprehensive selection that helps them to better understand Spanish cinema. Likewise, we found out that this approach suited our institutional identity best – we definitely aim to showcase the reality and plurality of Spanish cinema and those who are behind it. In this ninth edition, we have picked movies to show in their original Catalan and Basque versions. 

What is the main focus of this year's festival; is there anything that ties the movies together?
The highlight of this edition is that the film selection is curated by Spanish cinema expert Luis E. Parés. We’re really happy to have counted on him to put together a film selection comprised of outstanding films in a wide range of genres, many of them highly acclaimed in film festivals home and abroad.

We will have some more mainstream movies along with a couple of indie features, and two great classic films. There’ll be drama, there’ll be comedy and fantasy – there’ll truly be a bit of everything. 

How are Beijingers receiving Spanish cinema? Do they tend to understand what to expect or are people curious and surprised?
Generally, we are witnessing a fairly exciting moment for Spanish culture in China. On one hand, it is a fact that the ever increasingly knowledgeable Chinese audience is fascinated by Spain. Our gastronomy, our tourism, our culture, and indeed our cinema are all coveted assets that Beijingers are eager to experience. This is particularly true after the record that The Invisible Guest (Oriol Paulo, 2016) signified as a blockbuster in Chinese cinemas last year.

However, it is also undeniable that part of this appeal still rests on Spain being perceived as a particularly intriguing part of the faraway West – we are proudly European, but our roots also speak of a melting pot of peoples and cultures. Our audience still comes to the cinema expecting to learn more, to be surprised. They certainly won’t be disappointed this year!

Which are the movies we should not miss at the festival?
I would absolutely recommend Handia. It is a wonderfully crafted film with a touching story rich in values that has won 10 Goya Awards 2018. Both of our featured classics are superb, but I would expect the audience to really enjoy the novelty of Bienvenido, Mr. Marshall, a very clever satire and an overall hilarious movie. For those keen on watching truly unusual cinema, I would recommend Muchos Hijos, un mono y un Castillo ("Lots of Kids, a Monkey and a Castle"), a documentary filmed over the course of 14 years on a family and its charismatic matriarch.

Spanish Film Festival 2018 Top Picks

Handia (The Giant)
The Giant explores sibling rivalry among the family of the world's tallest man. The movie takes place in the early 19th century and is based on a true story of Miguel Joaquín Eleizegui Arteaga who suffered from gigantism. 

Screening: Nov 17, 4.30pm at Paradise Walk and Nov 24, 1.40pm at Parkview Green.

Bienvenido, Mr. Marshall (Welcome, Mr. Marshall)
This 1950s comedy that plays upon on the stereotypes that Spanish and the Americans hold about each other's culture. The plot follows a small Spanish village whose residents are preparing to receive visiting American diplomats.

Screening: Nov 18, 1.40pm at Parkview Green and Nov 23, 7pm at Paradise Walk.

Muchos Hijos, un Mono y un Castillo (Lots of Kids, a Monkey, and a Castle)
This documentary, shot over a span of 14 years, revolves around a family with and the charismatic mother at the center of it. She has always dreamed of three things: having a lot of children and owning a monkey and a castle (hence the name).

Screening: Nov 19, 7pm at Parkview Green and Nov 24, 2pm at Paradise Walk.

You can find more information on all the movies available here (in Spanish and Chinese). Tickets are available via Taopiaopiao (淘票票), Maoyan (猫眼), Wangpiaowang (网票网), Maizhuo (卖座), the Lumière Pavilions app (卢米埃影城APP), and at the venues. 

Lumière Beijing Longfor Paradise Walk IMAX Cinema
5F-09, Times Paradise Walk East District, Yonghui Superstores, Chaoyang North Road, Chaoyang District
朝阳北路与管庄路交界

Lumière Beijing Parkview Green Cinema
LG2-26, Parkview Green, 9 Dongdaqiao Lu, Chaoyang District
朝阳区东大桥路9号侨福芳草地LG2-26

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Email: tautviledaugelaite@thebeijinger.com

Images courtesy of the venues