SPANISH FILM FESTIVAL
Image: TWO MANY CHEFS film still
The Spanish Film Festival is about more than film. It is a celebration of food, music, language and history. Primarily, though, this festival offers the opportunity for Australian audiences to see a collection of amazing films on the big screen that otherwise would not be shown.
This year’s program includes a diverse range of films from Spain and Spanish-speaking countries. A major highlight is the focus on Javier Cámara, with the witty and vivacious comedy, Chef’s Special, kicking the festival off. Another is the Viva La Musica section, which celebrates music in film and features Old Man Bebo, about the life and times of legendary pianist Bebo Valdes.
The Cine Contemporaneo program showcases cutting edge Spanish cinema – films that explore environmental concerns, wild conspiracies, star-crossed love between immigrants, and school bullying.
This year marks the 70th anniversary of the end of the Spanish Civil War, and a range of films are included in the festival which explore this period of Spanish history. The festival will also look back in time with a retrospective program of films and exhibition dedicated to Luis Buñuel, the father of surrealist cinema and one of Spain’s most legendary filmmakers.
6-18 May. Palace Academy Twin, Palace Norton Street and Chauvel cinemas. Prices vary, 1300 306 776 or www.spanishfilmfestival.com
