From ‘Timecode’ Helmer’s Latest to the Retro High Camp ‘Nivel Dios,’ Five Standouts at Málaga’s Short Film Corner
In a year in which four Spanish titles were shortlisted for the Oscar for best live-action short film and illustrious short filmmakers have made or are making the transition from feature film to feature film – think Estibaliz Urresola with “Cuerdas”, now Berlin- Winner “20,000 species of bees” and now Pedro Martín-Calero has started a short film corner with “The Wailing” with Ester Expósito – Malaga’s Mafiz-Spanish Screenings.
Following are five outstanding short films from a staggering selection of 58 titles, accompanied by round tables and presentations in an immediately fully-fledged new major section at the Malaga Festival and Spanish Screenings.
More of diversity
“Mourning” (Marc Borràs)
Inspired by Johnna Adams’ play Gideon’s Knot, Mourn (“Duelo”) centers on a class reunion between a concerned teacher (Àngels López) and an angry and grieving mother (Sandra Molins) who blames her for a seemingly avoidable tragedy might . The intense and emotional performances by Molins and López lead to a powerful and torturous confrontation. Von Borràs from Barcelona, an indispensable video and film director (“Neon Moths”).
“Mussol” (Juanjo Gimenez)
In Giménez’s “Mussol” – “Owl” in Catalan – a hapless and seemingly troubled real estate agent struggles with his career and possibly his own mental health while attempting to heal his Alzheimer’s disease in a darkly comic, highly accomplished and polished work. sick mother that keeps the viewers captivated but clueless as to what exactly is happening. Jiménez’s latest film, whose 2017 Cannes Palme d’Or winner ‘Timecode’ was nominated for an Oscar, is still considered one of the best Spanish shorts in recent memory.
“Nivel Dios” (César Tormo)
A zeal for the Lord and a devastating crush, both youthful and unrequited, sweep through the scenes as young outcast Laura deals with her lust for the school’s religion professor in actor-director César Tormo’s eighth short, Nivel Dios . The blissful and bizarre commentary on divine intervention uses high-camp and a retro aesthetic to add alluring texture and context to the offbeat, mischievous dark comedy.
“O” (Maria Monreal Otano)
Even in her village in Jaén, Maria de la O stands out like an antique piece of furniture in a modern space. Her life, even her sexuality, is still about preserving the legacy of her late husband, the patriarch Paco, embodied in his olive grove, even if it kills her. The ending may seem forced, even funny, but it is very to the point thematically. Directed and written by women (Maria Gómez-Juárez) and signs of a cinema run by women that is increasingly gripping Spain.
“Pisanka” (Jorge Yudice, Spain)
As old friends Erica and Anna reunite for a coffee lunch, Erika reveals their communion with unseen apparitions, and as the conversation unfolds, a menacing and lingering figure will lead to the unveiling of a profound mystery. With sustained suspense, an intimate setting and a haunting score, multi-faceted writer-director Jorge Yúdice amazes and ignites a deep, uninterrupted curiosity with Fescora-winning ‘Pisanka’.
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