Celebrating the achievements and contributions of Spanish women in the areas of directing, screenwriting, editing, and other film disciplines, the King Juan Carlos I of Spain Center of New York University will present “Spanish Women Behind the Camera,” a film series opening Tuesday, February 3, at 7 p.m. Five new feature films and five shorts will be screened at the Center, located at 53 Washington Square South. The screenings are free and open to the public. For further information, call 212.998.3650 or visit www.nyu.edu/kjc.
“Spanish Women Behind the Camera” showcases visionary cinematic voices presenting the audience with provocative, distinctive, refreshing, and surprising perspectives. A diverse array of themes confronting women are explored as well as traditional notions of “women’s issues.” The series is presented in collaboration with Pragda (www.pragda.com).
A schedule of films follows:
Tues., Feb. 3, 7 p.m.
The Happy Man (El Hombre Feliz), a 14-minute short. Director Lucina Gil’s keen eye explores the question: does the happy man exist?
53 Winter Days (53 dias de invierno). First-time filmmaker Judith Colell and scriptwriter Gemma Ventura skillfully interweave a trio of stories about troubled lives. Colell will be present for a Q&A.
Tues., Feb. 10, 7 p.m.
She Lies (Miente), a 15-minute short by Isabel de Ocampo. Doina wants to give a birthday gift to her younger sister, but it isn’t easy.
Seven Billiard Tables (Siete mesas de billar francés) by Gracia Quereja. This film stars Maribel Verdú (Pan’s Labyrinth) and Blanca Portillo (Volver).
Tues., Feb. 17, 7 p.m.
Skunks (Mofetas), an 11-minute short by Inés Enciso. As the sun sets at the Tánger Port Authority, Karin and Aziz attempt to wait silently.
The Best of Me (Lo Mejor de Mi). Roser Aguilar’s debut film features a young woman conflicted about serving as an organ donor for her cheating lover.
Tues., Feb. 24, 7 p.m.
The Classroom (La Clase), a 20-minute film by Beatriz M. Sanchos. The pupils of a fourth-grade class take their first drama lessons.
The Honour of the Wronged (El Honor de las Injurias), a documentary by Carlos Garcia-Alix displays the achievements of researcher Lucia Lain and producer Isabel de las Casas. The film is a testament to obsession: the passionate search for an old anarchist gunman, Felipe Emilio Sandoval, a.k.a. Doctor.
Tues., Mar. 3, 7 p.m.
Libra, a four-minute short by Carlota Coronado.
Pretexts (Pretextos), a directorial debut by Silvia Munt, one of Spain’s finest actresses. The film examines the complex and contradictory lives of theater director Viena and her husband Daniel, a doctor in a geriatric clinic.
All films are introduced by Sarah Thomas. The series was curated by Marta Sánchez and coordinated by Laura Turégano.