The Sante Fe de Antioquia Film Festival celebrates its tenth birthday this year with a showcase of Spanish films that focus on the Iberian nation’s transition from dictatorship to democracy.
Festival press secretary Fabio Gallego told Colombia Reports that organizers aim to bring the annual event to the international arena by inviting foreign countries to participate. Last year the festival had an African focus, this year it centers on Spanish cinema.
The festival’s 24 Spanish films examine the transition from the fall of leader Francisco Franco’s dictatorship to modern democracy.
Gallego said that the festival aims to explore “prickly themes and the politically incorrect”.
“The themes of dictatorship and democracy are relevant in Colombia’s political climate,” said Gallego, referring to Colombian President Alvaro Uribe’s seeking of an unprecedented and questionably constitutional third term in office.
Renowned Spanish film director Manuel Gutierrez Aragon is the festival’s special guest this year. Six of his films will be screened during the festival.
Gutierrez Aragon told Colombia Reports that his films have a universal appeal. While they focus on Spain’s cultural and political development post dictatorship, they have a message of historical importance that Latin America can learn from, the director explained.
Gallego said that Spain’s perspective is relevant as it has had and continues to exercise influence in Latin America.
Colombian film director Victor Gaviria created the film festival in 2000 with the aim of educating the Colombia population as well as telling their stories.
The festival runs from December 4 to 8. Films will be screened in Medellin and in the Colonial town of Santa Fe de Antioquia. The festival’s program also includes workshops and forums.