Cinemaattic’s back! And this is a special one folks. Two days of Cult Classics and Modern films from Basque Country in Edinburgh and Glasgow.
This year Kimuak celebrates its 20th Anniversary and Scotland joins the celebrations. Here it is, Cinemaattic’s homage to Kimuak: 24-26 May in Edinburgh // 30-31 May in Glasgow
Directors attending: Asier Altuna, Isabel Herguera, Maider Fernandez Iriarte and Kimuak’s director Txema Muñoz
SCREENINGS – EDINBURGH (Click each for info and tickets)
★ Amama + Q&A with Asier Altuna – Thursday 24 May at Summerhall
★ Short Film Night | Basque Cult Classics | – Friday 25 May at Old St Paul’s
SCREENINGS – GLASGOW (Click each for info and tickets)
★ Cult Classics from the Basque Country | Kimuak 20 Years – Wednesday 30 May at CCA Glasgow
★ Modern Basque Shorts | Kimuak 20 Years – Thursday 31 May at CCA Glasgow
MASTERCLASSES AND TALKS
The success of today’s Spanish short-films in the international circuit can’t be fully understood without pioneer initiatives like Kimuak. They were the first. Kimuak agency changed not just Basque short films but a whole generation of emerging filmmakers in Spain. Among the directors attending are Amama’s director Asier Altuna and world-renowned animator Isabel Herguera. In collaboration with Edinburgh College of Art, they will both share first-hand experience with students and professionals. Kimuak’s director Txema Muñoz and rising star Maider Fernandez Iriarte join us at CCA Glasgow. Miren Manias, academic from University of Edinburgh and expert on Basque cinema will also be part of the talks and special events of this homage to Kimuak.
THE BASQUE CASE
What is Kimuak? Every spring, Basque leader distribution agency KIMUAK (‘sprout’ in Basque) selects the best from Basque short film scene to create an annual Selection with the most talented, original and qualified proposals produced within Basque Country.
Why is Kimuak so important? They were the first and with them, short film started to be more respected. The case of Basque Country is one that deserves study. A case of true respect and public support for local filmmakers at its very first stages. Back in the 90s using the experience of UniFrance, the Basque Government decided to incorporate the production and distribution of short films as a core area of support and interest. As a result, the public agency Kimuak (‘Sprout’ in Basque) became the major driving force behind a whole new wave of Basque filmmakers.
Twenty years later they have been invited to present the case all over the world, praised and used as a model for many.
We can’t help but be excited with one of the most important initiatives promoting short films not just in Basque Country but in the whole of Spain. The importance of an initiative like Kimuak goes beyond the mere work of selecting the best Basque short films of the year.
The programme includes retrospectives of cult and rare classics, contemporary award-winning films, plus Industry events, talks and learning opportunities. To find more about the Kimuak programme check this interview by Zineuskadi : http://www.zineuskadi.eu/noticias/ver.php?id=en&no=561&desde=0
Cinemaattic’s Retrospective KIMUAK: 20 YEARS OF BASQUE FILMS is a project supported by Etxepare Basque Institute, Film Hub Scotland and Accion Cultural Española through the PICE‘s grants programme.
