Basque Film Series in Chile

As an extension of the Viña del Mar International Film Festival FICViña, the Viña del Mar City Council, the Basque Country Delegation in Chile and the Etxepare Basque Institute host the Basque Film Series, now in its fifth edition. The initiative seeks to connect Basque filmmaking with the Chilean public and promote cultural dialogue.

A selection of recent films reflecting different perspectives on contemporary Basque cinema will be screened throughout December. All screenings will take place at the Palacio Rioja (Sala Aldo Francia) and are free of charge, offering opportunities for conversation to share impressions and explore the creative processes in greater depth.

This year, the Basque Film Series will also feature director and producer Lara Izagirre, who will be taking part in talks and in a session dedicated to audience education.

Below is a list of this year’s Basque films and activities:

‘La Cima’ (Ibon Cormenzana, 2022) 

3rd December
4:00 PM | Palacio Rioja, Sala Aldo Francia

Mateo faces one of the world’s most dangerous mountains, Annapurna, for the first time, with the challenge of reaching the summit and thus fulfilling an old promise. During his ascent, he suffers an accident that leaves him unconscious and seriously injured.

Hours later, he is rescued by Ione, an experienced mountaineer who is isolating herself in the mountains, cut off from the world. Despite not understanding the reasons that brought Mateo there, Ione will try to help him achieve his goal.

LA CIMA chronicles the emotional journey of Ione (Patricia López Arnaiz) and Mateo (Javier Rey), an adventure that will help them reconnect with life and nature as they face their path forward.

There will be a debate after the screening.

‘Nora’ (Lara Izagirre, 2020)

10th December
5:00 PM | Palacio Rioja, Sala Aldo Francia

Nora is 30 years old and lives with her Argentine grandfather Nicolás. Her life is not what she imagined it would be. When her grandfather dies, she inherits an old Dyane 6. Although she is a terrible driver, Nora sets off on an impromptu road trip along the Basque coast in order to bring her grandfather’s ashes to her grandmother’s side. 

After the screening, there will be a discussion with the director, Lara Izagirre.

Educational session with Lara Izagirre (in Spanish)

11th December
11:00 AM | Palacio Rioja, Sala Aldo Francia

‘Un otoño sin Berlín’ (Lara Izagirre, 2015)

17th December
4:00 PM | Palacio Rioja, Sala Aldo Francia

After spending some time abroad, June returns home in search of better opportunities. However, her return is bittersweet as she reunites with her family and Diego, her former love, who now lives as a recluse, immersed in his writing. Everyone has changed, and mending broken ties won´t be easy. However, together they will confront disillusionment and uncertainty as their love story begins to bloom once more.