Celebrating a visionary: Maria Zamora’s impact on cinema
A night to remember at the San Sebastian Festival
On a memorable evening at the 72nd San Sebastian Festival, Maria Zamora, a Spanish producer known for her dedication to emerging and predominantly female filmmakers, was honored with the prestigious National Cinematography Award. The ceremony, held on September 21, was a testament to her two-decade-long career in the film industry.
A tribute from peers and leaders
The event saw heartfelt introductions from notable figures such as filmmakers Elías León Siminiani and Paula Ortiz, along with Spanish Culture Minister Ernest Urtasun. Siminiani, who collaborated with Zamora on two documentaries over a decade, humorously remarked on her meteoric rise in the industry. He highlighted her impressive accolades, including a Berlinale Golden Bear for Alcarràs, a San Sebastian Golden Shell for O Corno, a Goya for Libertad, and a Cannes Directors’ Fortnight award for Creatura.
Ortiz, a multi-Goya nominated filmmaker, praised Zamora’s stabilizing presence in the industry. Her film La Virgen Roja, co-produced with Prime Video, premiered on September 22 in San Sebastian, further cementing Zamora’s influence.
Recognizing a legacy of excellence
Before presenting the award, which includes a €30,000 ($33,500) cash prize, Urtasun lauded Zamora’s extensive catalog of work and her unique ability to forge strong bonds with directors. He emphasized her commitment to taking risks and prioritizing the social value of cinema, making her a guiding force in understanding contemporary issues through film.
Urtasun also highlighted the growing presence of women in Spain’s film industry, attributing much of this progress to Zamora’s efforts. He acknowledged her role in breaking through longstanding inequalities and discrimination, a responsibility that the Ministry of Culture is keenly aware of.
Looking ahead: New projects on the horizon
Despite her numerous achievements, Zamora remains far from complacent. In an interview after the ceremony, she revealed plans for two upcoming films. Yo no moriré de amor, directed by Marta Matute and co-produced with Madrid-based Solita Films, is set to begin filming in January in Madrid. Another project, Corredora by Laura Garcia Alonso, will start shooting in Barcelona in April with Distinto Films.
A commitment to female filmmakers
Born in Valencia and now based in Madrid with her producing partner and husband Enrique Costa, Zamora expressed a desire to shoot more in her hometown. She has collaborated with several Catalan filmmakers in recent years, including Alcarràs director Carla Simon. Simon recently completed Romería, the third film in her trilogy that began with Summer 1993 in 2017, and is set to work on a flamenco musical announced last year at San Sebastian.
Reflecting on her career, Zamora shared that she made a conscious decision a decade ago to focus on female filmmakers, many of whom were emerging talents. She has since supported at least ten debut features, demonstrating her unwavering commitment to nurturing new voices in cinema.
A toast to the future
As the evening drew to a close, Zamora’s enthusiasm was palpable. She extended an open invitation to celebrate with drinks, embodying the spirit of camaraderie and support that has defined her career. Her journey serves as an inspiration to cinema enthusiasts and industry professionals alike, showcasing the transformative power of dedication and vision in the world of film.
In a rapidly evolving industry, Maria Zamora stands as a beacon of progress and innovation, continually pushing the boundaries of what cinema can achieve. Her story is a reminder that with passion and perseverance, the possibilities are endless.