Basque Country Consolidates As Fresh Talent Hub
variety.comHolly Jones In recent years, Spain’s Basque Country has emerged as a hub for fresh talent, something that directors Mikel Gurrea (“Suro”), Estibaliz Urresola (“Cuerdas”) and Irati Gorostidi (“Contadores”) credit to robust mentorship programs, governmental financing campaigns and ever-maturing production and distribution initiatives as well as a tight-knit network of professionals woven into the fabric of the local industry.
It’s an enthusiastic approach that fervently boosts new talent by firmly betting on strong local stories with universal appeal.
Short films by up-and-coming helmers have gained traction, “Cuerdas” winning a Rails d’Or at Cannes Critics Week this year, while feature-length ECAM Incubator Selection “Lullaby,” directed by Alauda Ruiz de Azúa, swept this year’s Malaga Film Festival, garnering rave reviews from critics and industry heavyweights.
Public-sector development initiatives such as the Ikusmira Berriak residency are integral to rise, create vast opportunities by providing mentorship, resources and space to fine-tune budding concepts. “‘Cuerdas’ was financed by the Diputación de Álava, where I have my production company.
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