Up to 191 films on show at the Barcelona Independent Film Festival
The 18th edition of ‘L’Alternativa’ presents a strong programme despite economic difficulties. The event has consolidated itself as an example of cinema that “formulates questions and is not complacent”, according to its director, Margarita Maguregui
Barcelona (ACN).- The Barcelona Independent Film Festival, ‘L’Alternativa’, will bring up to 191 films to the city in an attempt to promote innovation, creativity and debate in the industry. Between the 11th and 19th of November, the festival will have fictional, non-fictional and short movies, with a special space for Turkish and Argentinean independent cinema.
The festival presents a strong programme despite the current economic difficulties. The organisation has seen its budget cut from €360.000 to €234.000. Margarita Maguregui, one of the directors of the festival, criticised the cuts, saying that she needs to “be able to pay the professionals”. In fact, she argued that the festival has a good reputation abroad for the specific tip of independent cinema if offers. There are 46 films competing for this year’s awards: seven fiction movies, seven non-fiction movies and 32 in the shorts film category. Among the nominated films, one can find a film already released and awarded such as ‘El Premio’ as well as new premieres. As usual, the Barcelona Independent Film Festival continues to promote other types of films in its special categories. This year, the organisation has decided to explore Turkish documentary films and therefore will show seven movies, including ‘Ekümenopolis: Ucu Olmayan ?ehir’ (The city without limits), by Imre Azem. Collaborating with the producers Cine Ojo and Carmen Gurini, the festival will also dedicate part of its programme to Argentinean documentary cinema. The audience will also have the opportunity to pay homage to French film-maker Alain Cavalier. The section ‘Panorama’ will explore cinema made in Spain. María Zafra will present ‘El recolector de recuerdos (2011) and ‘Memorias, norias y fábricas de lejía’ (2011) while José Maria de Obre will screen his movie ‘El recolector de recuerdos’ (2011). Spanish short-film-makers will also have an opportunity. Isabel Herguera will screen ‘Ámár’, from 2010, Albert Alcoz will present ‘Wird War’, from 2011, and Chus Domínguez, his short film, ‘Notas de lo efímero’, also from 2011. Children will also have their own space at the event. ‘Petits Experiments’ will show some short-films for children. The festival is open to everyone, and for the most part, free. People can watch the movies in the so-called ‘Pantalla Hall’, in the CCCB museum of Barcelona. The screen will show up to 98 films without stopping and completely free of charge.