Catalonia is making a strong showing at this year’s Berlinale with a diverse selection of films, series, and shorts, showcasing the region’s vibrant audiovisual ecosystem. With support from the Catalan government’s cultural agency ICEC, Catalan filmmakers are presenting a wide range of projects that highlight the region’s creativity and international reach.
One of the standout selections is Ian de la Rosa’s “Iván & Hadoum,” a Panorama feature debut that tells a love story set in southern Spain. This co-production between Spain, Germany, and Belgium has already garnered attention, winning the Eurimages Award at the 2023 Berlinale Co-Production Market. De la Rosa’s journey from shorts to features is a testament to the success of ICEC’s Shortcat program, which supports filmmakers in international distribution and market connections.
Another highlight is the Max series “Ravalear: Not For Sale,” which tackles Barcelona’s gentrification crisis. Created by Pol RodrÃguez and Isaki Lacuesta, the series explores the clash between memory and progress in the city’s Raval neighborhood. Backed by ICEC’s High-End TV Production Fund, the series features a talented cast including Enric Auquer, Sergi López, and Francesc Orella.
In addition to these projects, Catalonia is also represented by Marcelo Martinessi’s “Narciso,” a co-production set in 1958 Paraguay. With support from ICEC’s minority co-production fund, Catalan producers are establishing themselves as key players in international collaborations. The success of Catalan-language films like “El 47” and “A House on Fire” at the Spanish box office further demonstrates the region’s growing influence in the industry.
While Catalonia continues to excel in arthouse and independent cinema, the challenge now lies in scaling up to compete with mainstream productions. However, with a strong showing at Berlinale and a diverse range of projects supported by ICEC, Catalonia is proving that its audiovisual ecosystem is firing on all cylinders. From features to series to shorts, Catalan filmmakers are making their mark on the international stage.
