From the 1950s, Spain made efforts to join the European Economic Community to present itself as a modern country despite being ruled by an old dictator. However, by 1968, Spain’s only European entry was the Eurovision Song Contest, where it had not yet won.
A new miniseries titled “La Canción” premieres at the Malaga Film Festival, showcasing the story of how Spain won the Eurovision Song Contest. The series follows the journey of Francisco Franco assigning the task to win the contest to minister Manuel Fraga, who then delegates the responsibility to Spanish pubcaster TVE. Surprisingly, Massiel, a flamboyant singer who opposes Franco, wins the contest with her performance of “La la la,” beating out Cliff Richard’s popular song “Congratulations.”
Directed by Alejandro Marín, the series is a mix of historical events and fictional elements, highlighting the involvement of real-life figures like Artur Caps and Joan Manuel Serrat in the process. The protagonist of the series, Esteban, navigates through the political landscape of Franco’s government, driven by ambition.
Produced by Susana Herreras and Ignacio Morales, “La Canción” is a creation of Pepe Coira and Fran Araújo, known for their work on popular series like “Hierro” and “Rapa.” The series aims to provide a blend of entertainment, comedy, and historical reflections, capturing the essence of Spain in the 1960s.
Through the characters of Massiel, Esteban, and Lucía, the series delves into the impact of dictatorship on ordinary people’s lives and the struggle for freedom. It also sheds light on the challenges Spain faced in modernizing while retaining an outdated political system.
With a mix of humor, emotion, and historical context, “La Canción” offers a unique perspective on Spain’s journey to win the Eurovision Song Contest. The creators, Coira and Araújo, aim to engage viewers by creating complex characters and telling a compelling story with respect and entertainment.
As “La Canción” prepares for its world premiere, the creators are working on the post-production process, aiming to deliver a visually stunning series that captures the essence of the 1960s in Spain. With their track record of successful series, Coira and Araújo continue to push the boundaries of storytelling and captivate audiences with their unique storytelling approach.
