A journey through time: The legacy of Luis Martín-Santos
Rediscovering a literary giant
In the vibrant city of Barcelona, Filmax has taken on the international sales rights for a compelling new bio-documentary titled “Time of Silence and Destruction”. This film delves into the life and work of Luis Martín-Santos, a revolutionary figure in Spanish literature, whose influence is often compared to that of James Joyce and William Faulkner.
The transformative power of literature
Luis Martín-Santos, alongside his close friend Juan Benet, brought a seismic shift to the Spanish novel in the mid-20th century. Their works, “Tiempo de Silencio” (1962) and “Volverás a Región” (1967), broke away from the traditional social realism that dominated the era. Instead, they introduced innovative narrative techniques such as stream of consciousness and shifting perspectives, which not only modernized Spanish literature but also inspired a new generation of writers.
A personal exploration
“Time of Silence and Destruction” is a deeply personal project led by Martín-Santos’ children, Rocío and Luis. The documentary captures their journey as they sift through their father’s unpublished papers and engage with his surviving friends and colleagues. This exploration situates Martín-Santos within his historical and cultural context, highlighting his involvement with the Academia Errante, a group of free-thinking Basques in San Sebastián that transcended political divides.
A multifaceted figure
Beyond his literary achievements, Martín-Santos was a groundbreaking psychiatrist and a prominent member of Spain’s Partido Socialista Obrero Español (PSOE), which currently governs the country. The film also sheds light on his second novel, published posthumously in 1975, offering a glimpse into the unfinished brilliance of his work.
A cinematic tribute
Directed by Joan López Lloret, known for “Hermanos Oligor”, and produced by Marta Esteban’s Imposible Films, “Time of Silence and Destruction” is set to premiere at the San Sebastián Festival. The film will open the Made in Spain strand on September 21, promising to captivate audiences with its rich narrative and historical depth.
A timeless influence
The documentary aims to introduce Martín-Santos’ literary genius to new generations while providing fresh insights to those already familiar with his work. As Filmax’s head of international, Ivan Díaz, reflects, “Martín-Santos is an endless source of ideas which still shake up consciences and provoke with their intelligence today.”
A personal connection
Díaz shares a personal anecdote, revealing his deep connection to Martín-Santos’ work. “It’s funny how life turns out sometimes. Martín-Santos just so happens to be a writer I’m very fond of because he wrote a book that my late grandfather used to force me to read!” This personal connection adds an extra layer of enthusiasm to Filmax’s involvement in the project.
A lasting legacy
Martín-Santos’ untimely death in a car accident in 1964 cut short a promising career, leaving the literary world to wonder what more he could have achieved. As Díaz poignantly notes, “As a writer, Martín-Santos has become a legendary figure in the world of Spanish literature and it really is such a shame that we weren’t able to enjoy his talent for longer.”
Discover more
For those eager to delve deeper into the world of Luis Martín-Santos, the documentary “Time of Silence and Destruction” offers a unique opportunity to explore his life and legacy. Watch the trailer and immerse yourself in the story of a writer whose work continues to resonate and inspire.
By weaving together personal reflections, historical context, and cinematic insights, “Time of Silence and Destruction” stands as a testament to the enduring power of literature and the indelible mark left by Luis Martín-Santos on the world of Spanish letters.