Okanagan residents have an opportunity to experience a variety of Spanish films this year through the Spanish Film Series, sponsored by the Spanish Program and the Latin American and Iberian Studies Program at UBC’s Okanagan campus.
The series, presented in collaboration with the Modern Language Program at the Okanagan College, includes screenings on Mar. 1 (Un Franco, 14 pesetas), March 29 (Habana Blues), April 26 (Camarón), Sept. 13 (El abuelo), Nov. 1 (La lengua de las mariposas), Nov. 29 (Para que no me olvides) and Dec. 13 (Vete de mi).
“I believe these are exciting times for Spanish cinema,” says Fracisco Peña , associate professor of Spanish in the Faculty of Creative and Critical Studies. “Spanish cinema has always been an important art form in Spanish culture and history. Politics and history took a harsh toll on the Spanish film industry. The fact that more and more of our directors like Almodovar, Isabel Coixet, Amenabar -- or actors like Javier Bardem or Penelope Cruz -- are succeeding on the world stage is proof of the vitality and growth of the Spanish film industry.”
Peña says the Spanish Embassy invited the Spanish program to participate in the promotion of Spanish Film.
“As it is rare for Spanish films to screen in Kelowna, it was a wonderful opportunity for film-lovers here to see contemporary Spanish cinema,” he says. “To see vibrant, exciting movies from Spain gives us a window into contemporary Spanish life and art that goes beyond the ability of other media, and broadens and enriches our understanding of the larger world around us.”
The Spanish Film Series will be held at Okanagan College Theatre in the Student Services Building at Okanagan College’s Kelowna campus, 1000 KLO Road.
Admission is free and all films are presented with subtitles in English.
-- 30 --