A programme of short films and a conversation with directors Alba Bresolí and Meritxell Colell on the new wave of Catalan cinema and literature reflecting on the rural world and Catalan countryside.

In 2022, a Catalan film set in rural Catalonia won the Golden Bear in Berlinale (Alcarràs by Carla Simón) while mythical Catalonia was rediscovered in Irene Solà’s playful novel “When I Sing, Mountains Dance”, winner the European Union Prize for Literature and included in The Guardian’s Top Fiction of 2022.

Sometimes portrayed as a new trend, truth is Catalan literature and cinema has a long track record of authors seeking refuge and inspiration in the countryside. We take this opportunity to bring together a programme of short films and discuss the topic with Catalan Directors Alba Bresolí and Meritxell Colell – both who have directed films set in the countryside.

Portraying the beauty (and hardship) of a vanishing world and lifestyle that disappears in front of our eyes, we do so with crepuscular views as well as contemplation of beauty and landscape, and political commentary films taking on capitalism, depopulation and modern times in rural areas.

EDINBURGH:
Where: Summerhall (1, Summerhall, Newington, Edinburgh EH9 1PL)
When: Sunday 29 January, doors open at 15:30

Films showing in this programme:

When the Mountain Rumbles – Alba Bresolí
Original title: El día que volaron la montaña
Year: 2022
Duration: 25 min
Language: Español
Subtitles: English
Synopsis: Three aging brothers must face an uncertain future and the inevitable end to years of self-imposed isolation as the abandoned village of Escó in Spain.Today, the construction of a motorway to the Pyrenees threatens Escó’s existence once again. What will be the final fate of the brothers and the curious place they call home?

Festivals: IndieLisboa, IDFA, Festival de Malaga, Sheffield Doc/Fest and Many more

Can Gardell – Flor Aliberti, Sílvia Subirós
Original title: Can Gardell
Year: 2021
Duration: 22 min
Language: Catalan, Spanish
Subtitles: English, Spanish
Synopsis: For generations, the Gardell family have devoted themselves to life working the land. An unexpected change in the legal conditions of the land they farm gives Tomàs and Maria no choice but to turn their farm into a b&b, where they patiently wait for guests to arrive. Can Gardell is a fictional story with real characters; a portrait of a form of rural life that no longer seems to fit our modern times.

Festivals: IndieLisboa, ZINEBI, MECAL.