Spanish Films in Berlin: Even The Rain, Amador, Medianeras & Escuchando Al Juez Garzon

The 61st edition of Berlinale kicked off late last week, and with the inclusion of four spanish films, four less than the last year. The already well known “También La Lluvia” (“Even The Rain”) by Icíar Bollaín, “Amador” by Fernando León de Aranoa and “Medianeras” by Gustavo Taretto, all presented out of competition at the panorama section. The fourth film, “Escuchando Al Juez Garzón”, by cult filmmaker Isabel Coixet (“My Life Without Me”) is a documentary shot on black and white based on a popular figure in a Spanish judge — this will be showcased at Specials section of the Berlinale.

Although we have covered before films like “También La Lluvia” and “Amador”, the film “Medianeras” comes from out of nowhere. Directed by Argentinian Gustavo Taretto, this is an adaptation of its 2005 short film of the same title that won over forty international awards. This coproduction between Spain and Argentina stars Pilar López de Ayala (“Lope”, “Alatriste”) and Javier Drolas (“El Mural”) who will pick up back the character that he already gave life in the short film. The story revolves around a boy and a girl that like each other but do not know each other living each one in buildings one in front of the other. To finish note that Spanish director Jaume Collet Serra (“Orphan”) will present his action U.S-made film “Unknown”, starring Liam Neeson.