Spanish producer Maria Zamora of Elástica Films was honored with the prestigious National Cinematography Award at the 72nd San Sebastian Festival on Saturday, Sept. 21. With a career spanning two decades, Zamora has championed emerging and mostly female filmmakers, making a significant impact on the industry.
Filmmakers Elías León Siminiani, Paula Ortiz, and Spanish Culture Minister Ernest Urtasun were present to introduce Zamora at the event. Siminiani, who collaborated with Zamora on two documentaries, praised her stellar career achievements, including winning awards at prestigious festivals like Berlinale, San Sebastian, Goya, and Cannes.
Ortiz, a multi-Goya nominated filmmaker, commended Zamora for her unwavering support of filmmakers and highlighted their upcoming co-production “La Virgen Roja” premiering at the festival. Urtasun acknowledged Zamora’s unique bond with directors and her contribution to the industry by developing an extensive catalog of exceptional films recognized globally.
The award, which includes a cash prize of €30,000 ($33,500), was presented to Zamora in recognition of her dedication to taking risks and prioritizing the social value of filmmaking. Urtasun emphasized Zamora’s role as a guiding force in understanding contemporary cinema and commended her for empowering women in the industry.
In a post-ceremony interview with Variety, Zamora shared her plans for upcoming projects, including two films set to shoot in Madrid and Barcelona. Born in Valencia and currently based in Madrid, Zamora expressed her desire to collaborate with filmmakers from different regions, particularly in Valencia and Catalonia.
Zamora’s commitment to supporting female filmmakers, especially emerging talents, has led her to back numerous debut features over the years. She continues to pave the way for women in the industry and remains dedicated to fostering new talent.
As Zamora looks ahead to her future projects, including collaborating with renowned directors like Carla Simon, she remains focused on creating opportunities for diverse voices in cinema. Her passion for storytelling and commitment to inclusivity serve as a guiding light for the industry, inspiring others to follow in her footsteps.
In conclusion, Maria Zamora’s well-deserved recognition at the San Sebastian Festival reaffirms her status as a trailblazer in the world of cinema. Her impact on the industry and dedication to empowering filmmakers, especially women, make her a true visionary whose influence will continue to shape the future of Spanish cinema.
