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A new chapter in Spanish cinema: “March 14th” by Alberto Gross Molo
A promising debut
Solita Films, the renowned Spanish production company led by the Esteban Alenda brothers, has taken a significant step by joining forces with Alberto Gross Molo for his feature debut, “March 14th”. This collaboration promises to bring a fresh perspective to the screen, delving into the complexities of family dynamics and the emotional turmoil of divorce.
The story behind “March 14th”
Set against the backdrop of a looming divorce trial, “March 14th” tells the poignant story of Héctor, an 11-year-old boy, and his younger sister Gema, aged 6. The siblings face the heart-wrenching decision of choosing which parent to live with, a choice that could potentially separate them. This narrative, co-written by Gross Molo and Tomàs Bayo Encontra, captures the raw emotions and fears of children caught in the crossfire of their parents’ separation.
For more details, you can watch the trailer here.
A journey through film festivals
Since its inception in 2021, “March 14th” has been making waves in the film festival circuit. The project has participated in numerous development labs and competitions, including:
- Ekran+ in Poland
- Zagreb Film Festival My First Script in Croatia
- Faberllull in Spain
- La Incubadora ECAM in Madrid
- Berlinale Talents Script Station in Germany
- D’A Film Lab in Barcelona
These platforms have provided invaluable support and exposure, helping the project evolve and gain recognition.
Recognition and accolades
During the recent New Horizons Studio+ meet in Wroclaw, “March 14th” received an award from the Producers’ Guild of Poland, which includes mentoring by an experienced guild member. Additionally, the project was a finalist at the 19th edition of the Julio Alejandro Screenplay Award for the best unproduced Spanish screenplay.
The production team
The film is produced by Contraria Media, co-founded by Laura Egidos Plaja and Albert Aynés Clapés, along with Ayhe Productions and the Esteban Alenda brothers. The executive producers are Egidos and Cecilia Rivas. With the project in late development and financing stages, the team aims to begin filming by summer 2025. They are actively seeking a European co-producer and a sales agent at the Locarno Film Festival’s Match Me! initiative.
Solita Films’ commitment to bold storytelling
Solita Films has a reputation for producing thought-provoking and emotionally engaging films. Their recent productions have been showcased at prestigious festivals such as Berlinale, Sundance, San Sebastián, and Málaga. The company has also received several Goya Award nominations, including a nod for Best Ibero-American Film for “La Pecera,” which premiered at Sundance 2023.
The Esteban Alenda brothers expressed their enthusiasm for “March 14th,” stating, “We have had the opportunity to see the project grow at La Incubadora, and the work that has been done in development has been brilliant. We are very happy to join this film and to be able to accompany Alberto in his feature debut. At Solita Films, we love to be part of brave films that challenge the viewer and in which you are emotionally involved. This is what ‘March 14th’ is all about.”
A director’s vision
Writer-director Alberto Gross Molo is known for his interest in exploring complex family relationships and conflicts through everyday details and silences. With “March 14th,” he aims to portray the intricacies of a poorly managed divorce from the children’s perspective. “I don’t want to talk about victims or culprits; I simply want to put the focus on the children and live this experience, which is so common nowadays, from their point of view. Very often, they find themselves, without wanting to, completely in the middle of a conflict they shouldn’t be part of,” Gross Molo explained.
A continuation of a powerful narrative
“March 14th” follows the thematic line of Gross Molo’s previous works, such as the short films “Broken Roots”, which earned a Jury Mention at the 2019 Tallinn Black Nights – PÖFF Shorts, “Solo”, nominated for best short film at the Gaudí Awards in Catalonia, and “As It Was” (2024). Laura Egidos Plaja, a producer at Contraria Media, highlighted Gross Molo’s unique approach: “In his works, you can already see Alberto’s clear interest in exploring family and human conflicts from a realistic, everyday, raw approach, without sugar-coating situations. With this very personal style, he manages to make the emotion of the moment have an impact on the viewer, leaving them thinking about what they have seen.”
Looking ahead
As the Locarno Film Festival approaches, the anticipation for “March 14th” continues to build. The festival, running from August 7-17, will host the Locarno Pro’s international networking initiative Match Me!, providing a platform for emerging producers and filmmakers to connect and collaborate.
For cinema and TV series enthusiasts, “March 14th” represents a compelling exploration of family dynamics and the emotional impact of divorce. It is a film that promises to resonate deeply with audiences, offering a poignant and thought-provoking viewing experience.
