ARTS NEWS: Spanish Film Festival to open with Giant, Nairn arts festival this week, Jazz in Biggar

A BASQUE film is to open the 5th Edinburgh Spanish Film Festival.

The festival runs from October 4 to 20 and opens with Giant, directed by directed by Jon Garano and Aitor Arregi.

A period drama, based on a true story, it has been awarded 10 Goya Awards, Spain’s national film awards.

Jon Garano will present his film on the first night.

The festival also includes the Scottish premiere of Hopelessly Devout, directed by Marta Díaz de López, and Verónica, directed by Paco Plaza.

The festival is to present a total of 15 feature films and 7 short films in Spanish.

As well as Basque cinema, there will be screenings of The Bastards Fig Tree, Black is Beltza, and Militiawomen, all movies from Catalonia.

The festival also features Latin American films with screenings in Scotland including Help Me To Make It Through The Night and A Fantastic Woman.

Marian A. Aréchaga, curator and director of the festival, said: «The main objective of the festival is to support Spanish cinema, and to use film as a vehicle to promote the Spanish language and culture to a wider audience.»

October 5 will be a day dedicated to Spanish food and coooking.

This year it features Andalusian cuisine, and a show, ‘The Art of Believing’ performed by the Daniel Martinez Flamenco company at Potterrow, Bristo Square.

 

PHIL MILLER

 

Web article: The Herald