The Rise of Basque Cinema at the San Sebastián Film Festival

Basque cinema is making significant waves at the San Sebastián International Film Festival, with an impressive 75% of the titles in the Spanish competition either fully or partially Basque. This trend reflects a remarkable evolution of regional film industries, which were once viewed as minor players, now taking a pivotal role in shaping the broader landscape of Spanish cinema.

Flagship Films: Maspalomas and Karmele

Two standout productions highlight the burgeoning presence of Basque filmmaking: “Maspalomas,” directed by José Mari Goenaga and Aitor Arregi, and “Karmele,” helmed by Asier Altuna. Both films exemplify the innovative strategies employed by their producers, Xabi Berzosa and Marian Fernández Pascal, as the Basque film industry gains momentum.

Maspalomas: A Bold Exploration of Identity

“Maspalomas” is a poignant film that explores the complexities of late-life coming out, juxtaposing the vibrant gay scene of Gran Canaria with the stark realities of a nursing home in San Sebastián. “I first visited Maspalomas in 2016, and I realized that this is a part of reality that is rarely depicted in cinema,” Goenaga shared with Variety. In a fresh narrative twist, the film delves into the subject of individuals who choose to retreat back into their identities after having embraced them publicly.

Producer Xabi Berzosa, associated with Irusoin and founding partner of Moriarti Produkzioak, embraced a creative gamble by opting to shoot the film in 35mm. “There’s a distinct focus that comes with film; everyone is fully engaged during production,” he explained. However, the logistics posed a challenge, and the film reels almost went missing during transit from the Canary Islands to Madrid. Despite this, Berzosa believes the risks paid off, granting an authentic intimacy to the film. He emphasizes that a film’s essence lies in its language and culture, regardless of its producer’s background.

Karmele: A Historical Epic of Diaspora

In stark contrast, Altuna’s “Karmele” ventures into historical territory, adapting Kirmen Uribe’s acclaimed novel “The Hour of Waking Together.” This film covers several decades, beginning in 1937 and traversing through France, Venezuela, and the Basque Country, telling the rich stories of exiled artists and a love story blossoming amidst the challenges of diaspora. Producer Marian Fernández Pascal pointed out the monumental challenge of condensing the extensive narrative into a two-hour film without losing its emotional depth.

Initially envisioned as a grand international co-production, “Karmele” had to downscale due to COVID-19 constraints. “We realized we could achieve a fulfilling production without extensive travel,” Fernández Pascal noted. With strong support from local Basque TV, Spanish public television, and government incentives, the project found its footing domestically. She also remarked on the naturalness of working in the Basque language, stating, “To us, the story is what matters, not the language.”

A Diverse Basque Presence at San Sebastián

The lineup at San Sebastián showcases a rich diversity of Basque cinema beyond “Maspalomas” and “Karmele.” Alauda Ruiz de Azúa’s Spanish-language film “Sundays,” co-produced by Movistar Plus+, was also well-received, along with other notable entries such as Alberto Rodríguez’s “Los Tigres,” and Agustín Díaz Yanes’ Netflix original “She Walks in Darkness,” produced by J.A. Bayona through the Basque-based company Basoilarraren Filmak.

The Growing Support for Basque Cinema

There’s a palpable shift towards co-productions in the industry, with Fernández Pascal expressing her keen interest as a minority partner in various projects. The landscape has changed significantly over the past two decades, shifting away from a Madrid-centric focus to a more balanced and healthier distribution of talent across regions. “We now have an incredible array of technicians, production companies, and directors committed to the Basque-language cinema,” Berzosa added.

Future Challenges and Opportunities

Despite the optimism surrounding the growth of Basque cinema, both producers voice concerns mirrored by Hollywood counterparts. “The changes in society and the possible dilution of the communal cinema experience are looming threats,” Berzosa remarked. The emphasis on streaming success often overshadows the importance of sustaining the cinema ecosystem, which both producers agree begins with maintaining robust cinemas.

Furthermore, as the industry faces inevitable cycles of change, both producers remain hopeful and resilient. “We’ve adapted to challenges before, and I believe we can do so again,” Fernández Pascal concluded. With a mix of ambitious projects and deeply personal narratives, Basque cinema is not only flourishing but also poised for a brighter future, even amidst uncertainty.