You already know, I love attending cultural events that showcase Barcelona-based talents.
This thursday, Inusual project, a cultural centre that supports the arts and freedom of expression, will host ‘Ellas’, an evening of female-directed documentaries. It is exciting!
Ellas
Ellas meaning ‘them in the feminine form’ in English is a group of women that have come together to cooperate and highlights the work of independent female filmmakers.
They have in common their participation to “INto INdustry”, a documentary-focused programme organised by Otoxo Productions who also provided the filmmakers with resources, collaborating advice, mentorship and materials.
One evening, eight women, five documentaries
We will watch the documentary work of eight independent women filmmakers from various backgrounds throughout the evening.
Each short film will last between three and ten minutes. Some will be in English or Spanish but with English subtitles. Let’s note that the documentaries are not just women related. They approach a range of subjects.
The short films
Esra, directed by Amyna Mehrez and co-directed by Neve Zucca
Esra is the short portrait of a Turkish artist, Esra Yardimci, based in Barcelona. She practices a traditional Turkish Illumination Arts.
Como soy, by Alexandrine Viguier and Olivia Brandão
Como soy is about Jowi, a queer ariel artist, mother and teacher who has found self-love and promotes body positivity to everyone in a unique way: The Circus.
Como hojas por el viento by Sofia Luz
A documentary about two transgender women who emigrated from their home countries seeking asylum and opportunities in a new continent.
Arkadia, by Andra Ion
This short film is about a shepherd who uses an ancestral practice to raise his flocks.
Kali, by Serena Magalotti and Gaia Ferrari
This documentary follows the story of Kali Sudhra, a performer in the adult industry in Barcelona.
Meet & greet with the directors
Following the projections, the public will have a chance to talk with the directors through a Meet and Greet session.
Additionally, some of the characters will also be present. And I got an insider information :). The character on which Arkadia, one of the presented documentary is based on, will definitely be there. This is an opportunity to encounter and interact with an exceptional character in person.
INto INdustry Programme and Otoxo Productions
The INto INdustry programme gives young and motivated people the chance to join Otoxo Productions and work on making documentaries that give voices to unseen faces and unheard voices.
With the help of this programme, they gain experience, credit and the professional training they need to succeed in the industry. Some of the graduates were hired by top media organisations such as the BBC and Al Jazeera.
I am looking forward to seeing the projections. What about you? Join and book your space here. Tickets for the evening costs 6 euros.
Inusual projects, Carrer de la Paloma, 5, 08001 Barcelona
Otoxo productions, Centre Civic Convent de Sant Agusti, Carrer del Comerc, 36, 08003 Barcelona
Edit: About last night
The screening night was very nice. The event was fully booked. I am very happy for the directors.
The documentaries were both entertaining and educational. All the characters were either living in Barcelona or Catalonia which gives another insight of the city and the region.
Despite talking about tough matters, the topics had a warmth to them. Kali comes especially to mind as the documentary refers to the world of pornography. For me, watching it had been a bit brutal yet it was elegant and digestible.
Post edit 2: News about Arkadia
Good news for the director of Arkadia, Andra Ion! Arkadia has won the short category of the Alternative Film Fest in Toronto as the best international documentary. Congratulations!
If you have an opportunity to see one of the documentaries, do not hesitate and go!