Okay so I’m running a little late on this one but there’s still time to check out the 2018 Spanish Film Festival. If you think Spanish films have nothing to offer you, I have two words for you … Antonio Banderas, or Salma Hayek if you prefer.
The Festival celebrates the culture, life and cinema of Spain. A few of the programs highlights that I intend investigating are:
NO FILTER. Dubbed a cathartic comedy the movie stars Maribel Verdu as a woman who can’t help but speak her mind. I have visions of a female version of Liar Liar which could be interesting. It was set aside for a special event night which means it probably has broad appeal and is definitely one to check out.
MIST & THE MAIDEN. Described as a gripping mystery that follows a cold case investigation on the Spanish Canary Islands, how can I not look at this one. Even more so considering it’s adapted from Lorenzo Silva’s best-selling novel.
THE TRIBE. This one is said to be Spain’s answer to The Full Monty. The synopsis says it is a female-driven story of family reconciliation that’s full of music and laughs, which makes me wondered where the Monty reference fits in. Guess time will tell.
THE CHESS PLAYER. A period drama about a chess master falsely accused of being a spy and consequently sent to an SS prison. While this sounds a little heavy, experience has shown me that it’s often the movie I’m least interested in seeing that has the most impact.
I did manage to see ABRACADABRA a while back which I remember as enjoyable, though I must admit I was exhausted before seeing it, so I probably didn’t give it my full attention. It tells the tale of Carmen (Maribel Verdú) a housewife who lives with her alpha-male husband Carlos (Antonio de la Torre) and their daughter Toñi in Madrid. At her nephew’s wedding, Carmen’s cousin Pepe, an amateur hypnotist, tries out his skills on Carlos. But the trick goes wrong. Carlos becomes possessed by the spirit of a waiter who murdered seven people at the wedding venue in 1983. Have I got your attention? Carlos transforms to the antitheses of his normal behaviour: he becomes an attentive husband and doting father. Carmen, although pleasantly surprised, realises something’s up and embarks on an expedition to get her husband back.
And then there’s the closing night event, showcasing the dark fantasy, PAN’s LABYRINTH by Academy Award winner Guillermo del Toro. The glass of wine beforehand will help prepare you for this mind bending treat.
The 2018 Spanish Film Festival is presented by Luna Palace Cinemas and supported in Perth by The West Australian. All the movies are shown at Cinema Paradiso in Northbridge.
The Festival finishes on the 16th of May.
For updates and more information, visit www.spanishfilmfestival.com or www.lunapalace.com.au
