Internationale Kurzfilmtage Oberhausen: Focus Basque Country - Heterogeneous Landscapes

At the 69th International Short Film Festival Oberhausen, one of the most important short film competitions in the world, a total of 18 short films produced in the Basque Country between 2014 and 2021 (documentaries, fiction, animation and experimental) will be on show from 27 and 29 April.

The Etxepare Basque Institute joined forces with Zinebi, Kimuak, Basque. Audiovisual. and ISFF Oberhausen to design the programme.

Included in the series of films will be works by experimental filmmakers Laida Lertxundi, Iñigo Salaberria, Koldo Almandoz and Teresa Sendagorta; documentary filmmakers Maria Elorza and Maddi Barber; and teams of animation professionals led by Bego Vicario, Isabel Herguera and Izibene Oñederra.

The series will be shown in three sessions, with screenings in the Gloria room on 27, 28 and 29 April. The complete Focus Basque Country - Heterogeneous Landscapes programme is available on the festival website.

-          ‘Amore d’inverno’ (Isabel Herguera, 2015) [award winner at the 57th ZINEBI].

-          ‘Ancora lucciole’ (Maria Elorza, 2018) [award winner at the 60th ZINEBI].

-          ‘Areka’ (Atxur Animazio Taldea, 2017) [award winner at the 59th ZINEBI].

-          ‘Ehiza’ (Hauazkena Animazio Taldea, 2020).

-          ‘Hemen. Gaur. Berriz’ (Aitor Gametxo, 2020) [award winner at the 62th ZINEBI].

-          ‘Ikusleak’ / Los que ven’ (Jesús María Palacios, 2018).

-          ‘In ictu oculi (Begiak hesteko artean)’ (Jorge Moneo Quintana, 2020).

-          ‘Inner Outer Space’ (Laida Lertxundi, 2021).

-          ‘It Is All Right Here’ (Teresa Sendagorta, 2018).

-          ‘Love Needs Time to Kill’ (Txuspo Poyo, 2021).

-          ‘Lursaguak’ (Izibene Oñederra, 2019).

-          ‘Luz a la deriva’ (Iñigo Salaberria, 2015).

-          ‘Montes Bocineros’ (Juan Pablo Ordúñez, MawatreS, 2014).

-          ‘No hay nada más moderno que envejecer’ Sra. Polaroiska, 2018).

-          ‘Plágan’ (Koldo Almandoz, 2017).

-          ‘Soroa’ (Asier Altuna, 2014).

-          ‘Variaciones de Winterreise’ (Inés García, 2018).

-          ‘592 metroz goiti’ (Maddi Barber, 2018).

Download the series dossier here. 

Despite being limited in size, Basque cinema is known for its homogeneity. This diversity is exemplified by the short film format, which encompasses a wide range of styles and genres, including experimental, animated, documentary, and fiction films.

A number of contributions to the development and consolidation of Basque short films have been decisive. Many directors received training first in the audiovisual sector before deciding to enter the film industry. These directors have also been involved in the production and distribution of films. Moreover, the Basque Government has taken steps to support and promote Basque cinema on an international level, with the Etxepare Basque Institute and Zineuskadi providing institutional backing for various initiatives. One such initiative is the short film catalogue Kimuak, which aims to strengthen and promote Basque cinema, along with other activities geared towards achieving the same goal.