Netflix unveils new Spanish films at San Sebastián Festival
A fresh wave of Spanish cinema
At the prestigious San Sebastián Festival, Netflix has made a significant splash by announcing a slate of new Spanish films. These projects come from some of the most acclaimed talents in the industry, promising to deliver gripping narratives and stellar performances. Let’s dive into the details of these exciting new releases.
Ramón Campos brings ‘La Viuda Negra’
Produced by Ramón Campos under his Madrid-based label Bambú Producciones, known for hits like “Grand Hotel,” “Velvet,” and “Fariña,” the murder mystery La Viuda Negra is set to captivate audiences. Directed by Carlos Sedes, the story begins with a body found stabbed seven times in a Valencia car park. The prime suspect is Maje, the young widow of the deceased, who had been married to him for less than a year. This psychological thriller promises to keep viewers on the edge of their seats. Watch the trailer.
David Victori’s ‘Cortafuego’ promises intense thrills
Cortafuego, directed by David Victori and produced by Anxo Rodríguez and Ferrán Tomás of ESpotlight Media, features a stellar cast including Joaquín Furriel, Belén Cuesta, Enric Auquer, and Diana Gómez. The film follows Mara, a recent widow, who travels to her family’s summer house in the woods to prepare it for sale. Her trip turns into a nightmare when her daughter Lise disappears amidst a raging forest fire. This film is set to be a gripping psychological thriller. Watch the trailer.
Eva Vives directs ‘La Desconocida’
Eva Vives, known for her work on “The Handmaid’s Tale” and “All About Nina,” will direct the procedural La Desconocida. Produced by Matías Mosteirin, Pola Zito, and Leticia Cristi at Argentina’s K&S Films, this project is set to be a compelling addition to Netflix’s lineup. Watch the trailer.
‘My Dearest Señorita’ gets a modern adaptation
Produced by Javier Calvo and Javier Ambrossi’s label Suma Content, My Dearest Señorita is an upcoming adaptation of Jaime de Arimañán’s 1972 feature, which was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Foreign Film. Directed by Fernando González Molina and written by Alana S. Portero, this remake is highly anticipated. Watch the trailer.
Cesc Gay’s ’53 Sundays’ explores family dynamics
53 Sundays, directed by Cesc Gay and produced by Marta Esteban and Laia Bosch at Imposible Films, stars Spanish superstars Carmen Machi, Javier Cámara, and Javier Gutierrez. The film tells the story of three siblings who gather to discuss their aging father’s strange behavior. What starts as a civilized family reunion quickly descends into chaos. Watch the trailer.
Agustín Díaz Yanes’ ‘Un fantasma en la batalla’
Un fantasma en la batalla is a new political thriller from writer-director Agustín Díaz Yanes. Produced by Belén Atienza, Sandra Hermida, and Oscar-nominated filmmaker J.A. Bayona, the film stars Susana Abaitua, Andrés Gertrúdix, Iraia Elias, Raúl Arévalo, and Ariadna Gil. Inspired by the experiences of Guardia Civil members involved in the fight against terrorism in the Basque region, this film promises a fast-paced, action-packed narrative. Watch the trailer.
Netflix’s commitment to Spanish cinema
Verónica Fernández, head of fiction film at Netflix, emphasized the company’s commitment to investing in quality and diverse stories. This includes not only producing original content but also distributing works from renowned directors like Alejandro Amenábar and Fernando Trueba.
Fernández highlighted that four of the ten most-watched non-English films on Netflix are from Spain. Additionally, from January to June of this year, three of the fifteen most-watched titles globally were Spanish productions.
A bright future for Spanish storytelling
With these new projects, Netflix continues to showcase the richness and diversity of Spanish cinema. Each film brings a unique narrative and perspective, promising to captivate audiences worldwide. As these stories unfold, they will undoubtedly contribute to the growing appreciation of Spanish-language content on the global stage.