As the name suggests, Cinefiesta is the Spanish Cinema Fiesta (party). In 2021, the festival keeps the tight relationship with the cinema produced in our neighbouring country it has built throughout the years. For this selection we compiled four feature films produced in the last 12 months. 

Starting with “Camille & Ulysse”, directed by Diana Toucedo, an essayistic film based on the speeches from Belgian philosopher Vinciane Despret and American philosopher Donna J. Haraway about the cycles of communities, the state of the planet and the study of animal language. Continuing with “Destello Bravío”, directed by Ainhoa Rodríguez, a portrait, in between the documentary and the fantastic, of a small aged town near Badajoz, where nothing is as it seems. An amusing polyptych where religion, sex, traditional values, and psychedelic music are aligned, like pearls on a necklace. Constructed after an invitation made by festival Punto de Vista, “Las Cartas Que No Fueran También Son” compiles a series of letter-films where different authors write to a director admire but have never met. Lynne Sachs wrote to Jean Vigo, Nicolás Pereda paid an homage to Chantal Akerman and Alejo Moguillansky greeted Antonioni, amongst others. We close with “O Gemer”, by Xabier Erkizia Martikorena, a film about the sound of the groaning wood of the oxcart. This documentary portrays a sound that was once music, then noise, and now is only silence.

The screenings of the selected films will take place on November 26th, 27th and 28th at 5.30 PM in Passos Manuel. Tickets are available at www.bol.pt

CINEFIESTA SELECTION 

Camille & Ulysse, Diana Toucedo, Spain, 2021, DOC, 46'
Destello Bravío, Ainhoa Rodríguez, Spain, 2021, FIC, 98'
Las Cartas Que No Fueran También Son, Deborah Stratman, Lynne Sachs, Alejo Moguillansky, Raya Martin, Jessica Sarah Rinland, Diana Toucedo, Beatrice Gibson, Nicolás Pereda, Spain, 2021, DOC, FIC, EXP, 61'
O Gemer, Xabier Erkizia Martikorena, Spain, 2021, DOC, 63'