The rise of Paul Urkijo: Filmax acquires the international rights to ‘Gaua’
Filmax, renowned for its specialty in genre films from Spain, has recently secured the international rights to “Gaua,” the latest project by the acclaimed director Paul Urkijo. Following the success of his previous film “Irati”, which clinched the Competition Audience Award at Sitges in 2022, Urkijo continues to cement his reputation as one of Spain’s most promising genre filmmakers.
A unique storytelling approach
“Gaua” promises to incorporate several core elements that made “Irati” a standout. Set to begin filming in January-February next year, “Gaua” is scheduled to be presented at the American Film Market in November. The movie, with a screenplay in English, delves deep into the Basque mountains of 17th century Spain.
The story begins with Kattalin fleeing her abusive husband and sensing an eerie presence while wandering through a dense forest. Her journey leads her to encounter three women, immersed in recounting local superstitions and village gossip, who will later integrate Kattalin into their folklore. The narrative blend of suspense and mythology serves as the backbone of “Gaua,” offering a dark, yet universal tale of love, vengeance, and empowerment.
Production insights and collaboration
Produced by the prominent Basque outfit Irusoin, known for works like “Marco” and Disney+’s “Cristobal Balenciaga,” “Gaua” is set to further explore the captivating stories of the Basque region. The production also includes the collaborative efforts of Ikusgarri Films, Gaua AIE, and Vilaüt Films from Catalonia. Support from entities such as Basque pubcaster EITB, Spanish state TV RTVE, and the Basque Government underscores the film’s significance in promoting Basque culture and language.
Paul Urkijo’s vision and thematic inspiration
Urkijo expressed his long-standing fascination with nocturnal legends, spirits, demons, and witches that originated from the witch-hunts in the 17th century. He noted that these narratives, initially rooted in fear and superstition, have evolved to symbolize female empowerment. With “Gaua,” Urkijo aims to bring this rich universe to the big screen in a manner that is both spectacular and unsettling, presenting a vivid portrayal of these age-old legends.
Reflecting on Urkijo’s previous works, producers from Irusoin emphasized his ability to marry artistic ambition with broad audience appeal. His previous films, “Irati” and “Errementari: The Devil and The Blacksmith”, exemplify a unique storytelling style that transcends language and geographical barriers, offering authentic yet universal tales. The collaborative relationship between Irusoin and Urkijo is fueled by a shared commitment to showcasing Basque culture on an international stage.
Urkijo’s impact on international audiences
Urkijo’s film “Irati” achieved major territory sales for Filmax in countries like Germany and Italy, becoming the highest-grossing Basque language film in Spain, with revenues reaching €956,938 ($1.05 million). His earlier success with “Errementari,” produced by Alex de la Iglesia, also secured a worldwide distribution deal with Netflix, further highlighting Urkijo’s global appeal.
The future of genre filmmaking in Spain
The growing acclaim for Urkijo’s work underscores a broader trend within the Spanish film industry, where genre films are gaining significant recognition both domestically and internationally. This rise is fueled by visionary directors like Urkijo who bring fresh, imaginative perspectives to traditional narratives, ensuring that Spanish cinema remains at the forefront of global filmmaking innovation.
For fans of genre films and enthusiasts of Basque folklore and culture, “Gaua” is anticipated to be a mesmerizing addition to Urkijo’s burgeoning portfolio. With its intricate storytelling and evocative themes, the film is set to captivate audiences and continue the tradition of exemplary Spanish genre cinema.
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