Jokes & Cigarettes brings to audiences the story of Catalan humourist Eugenio Jofra, a chain-smoking comedian known for his deadpan delivery, smoked glasses and trademark total black attire. Jofra falls into standup comedy by default. Originally a jeweller, his career trajectory changes when he meets musician Conchita on a bus, and it is love at first sight. He follows … [Read more...] about Jokes & Cigarettes – Film review
spanish film festival
Greg Mortimer – Film review
There are countless stories of bravery, compassion and courage that marked the tumultuous pandemic years. The one told in the documentary Greg Mortimer is very late in coming, yet the light should not shine on it any less. The documentary production itself is quite simple and plain. It's the real-life actors who make this no-miss viewing. If you’re not familiar with the … [Read more...] about Greg Mortimer – Film review
Cork – Film review
As the cork trees are struck bare for harvest, so too are the silent tensions in the relationship of newlyweds, Helena (Vicky Luengo) and Ivan (Pol López). About to have their first child, the architect couple leave the city to renovate the old stone farmhouse on 1,200-acre cork forest Elena inherited from her aunt. Their renovation plans are grand, but it soon … [Read more...] about Cork – Film review
Staring at Strangers – Film review
Felix Viscarret’s hypnotic thriller-drama adaptation of best-selling author Juan José Millas’ novel, Desde la sombra, unravels human nature with strangeness, humour and surrealism. I found the references to talk shows as pure ratings fodder most entertaining. Damián (Paco León) has just been fired after working at the same company for 20 years. Following an angry and violent … [Read more...] about Staring at Strangers – Film review
Tobacco Barns – Film review
At the foot of the Sierra Nevada Mountain range, there is a small rural town where locals have long made their living by farming tobacco. Seven-year-old Vera (Vera Centenera) lives in the big city but adores spending the holidays in her grandparents’ town and particularly in their deserted tobacco barn. This is where she first meets Nieves. In contrast, Nieves (Ada Mar … [Read more...] about Tobacco Barns – Film review