Pedro Almodovar Endorses Alauda Ruiz De Azua’s ‘Lullaby’: ‘It’s the Best Spanish Debut For Years’ (EXCLUSIVE)

variety.com:

Emilio Mayorga Pedro Almodóvar has put his considerable weight behind Spaniard Alauda Ruiz de Azúa’s first feature,”Lullaby” (“Cinco Lobitos”) as it has initiated a spirited run at Spain’s box office.“It is undoubtedly the best debut in Spanish cinema for years,” Almodóvar announced in a statement, describing the mother-daughter relationship drama as “a portrait of the role of women within the family, which is truthful, devoid of sentimentality and that does not exclude humor.”“Life could offer another destiny for women other than caring for the whole family. [The film offers] very accurate interpretations, where Laia Costa stands out and I suppose will sweep all this year’s awards.

You have to see it before the heat wave takes it away. Summer is the worst enemy of the theaters.” Almodóvar’s advocacy is highly necessary as an exciting new generation of cineastes, often female, galvanizes Spain’s arthouse scene led by Carla Simón whose “Alcarràs” won Berlin’s 2022 Golden Bear, Pilar Palomero whose “Schoolgirls” scored a Goya best picture award last year and now Ruíz de Azúa whose “Lullaby” world premiered in Berlin’s Panorama and then really came to notice near sweeping the board at March’s Málaga Festival, winning best Spanish picture, actress awards for both protagonists, screenplay, audience awards and four non-official awards as well.Sales company Latido Films has also clinched a first flurry of deals at Cannes Marché du Film.