An eclectic blend at Valladolid International Film Festival 2023
The 69th edition of the Valladolid International Film Festival, also known as Seminci, is set to take place this fall from October 18-26. As anticipation builds, we’ve curated a list of ten must-see films that are sure to captivate attendees this year.
Opening spotlight: ‘They Will Be Dust’ by Carlos Marques-Marcet
Carlos Marques-Marcet’s award-winning film, They Will Be Dust, will open the festival. This tragicomic musical revolves around a woman with a terminal illness who decides to travel to Switzerland to end her life, accompanied by her partner of 40 years, Flavio. The film is praised for being “an unexpected celebration of life itself and of the unconditional love of those who accompany us along the way.”
Historical drama meets family intrigue in ‘Vermiglio’
Italy’s submission for the International Feature Oscar, Vermiglio, directed by Maura Delpero, will make its Spanish debut at Seminci. Set in a WWII village in the Italian Alps, the film delves into the complexities stirred by the arrival of a soldier among three sisters. Having already won the Silver Lion Grand Jury Prize at the Venice Film Festival, its emotional depth and historical context promise a compelling watch.
Modern-day surveillance and mystery in ‘Stranger Eyes’
Stranger Eyes, directed by Yeo Siew Hua, captures the essence of modern-day surveillance with an intimate mystery. The film begins three months after the disappearance of a couple’s two-year-old daughter. A mysterious unmarked DVD appears, showing footage of their daily lives, unspooling into a narrative on social isolation and alienation.
An animated spotlight: ’The Most Precious of Cargoes’
Michel Hazanavicius’s animated feature, The Most Precious of Cargoes, adapted from Jean-Claude Grumberg’s novel, is a unique entry in Seminci’s main competition. This rarity, characterized by a graphic novel aesthetic, has been described as ”likely to become a classic.” This film stands out not just for its animation but for its depth and potential for becoming an enduring piece of cinema.
Epic journeys and fables in ‘Black Dog’
Winner of the Un Certain Regard section at Cannes, Black Dog, by Guan Hu, follows an ex-convict on an epic motorcycle journey across the Gobi Desert, accompanied by a potentially rabid black dog. It’s a magnificently shot adventure fable that combines moody visuals with a moving narrative.
A melodic journey: ’The Drunkmen’s Marseillaise’
World premiering at Seminci, The Drunkmen’s Marseillaise, by Pablo Gil Rituerto, is a documentary tracing a film crew’s journey across northern Spain. It follows the path of the Cantacronache music group from the summer of 1961. Through their parallel journeys, the film reveals the emotional and political geography of territories where past wounds remain open.
Trans-Atlantic horror in ‘The Wailing’
Pedro Martín-Calero’s The Wailing spans across Spain, Argentina, and France, uniting three young women separated by decades and geography who are haunted by the same ethereal threat. Highly praised at the San Sebastian Film Festival, it’s poised to join the ranks of Spain’s classic horror films.
Complex storytelling in ‘The New Years’
From director Rodrigo Sorogoyen comes The New Years, a narrative that spans over a decade, following Ana and Oscar who meet on New Year’s Eve 2015. This series showcases a versatile narrative with elements of romantic comedy, family drama, and horror, making it a compelling addition to this year’s lineup.
Psychological thriller ‘Salve Maria’
Salve Maria by Mar Coll delves into the complex psychology of motherhood. A genre-bending psychological thriller about a novelist haunted by the fear of committing infanticide, it challenges moral boundaries with an unsettling yet gripping narrative.
Musical homage: ‘La Guitarra Flamenca de Yerai Cortés’
Debuting with his documentary, Antón Álvarez, known as C. Tangana, presents La Guitarra Flamenca de Yerai Cortés. This film explores the life and music of flamenco guitarist Yerai Cortés, blending powerful performances with a poignant family story.
This year’s Seminci promises a diverse selection of films that span across genres and themes. Be sure to catch these remarkable titles at the festival, and stay tuned for more updates by following our site and sharing this article on social media!