Catalonia Serves Up Its Best at Cannes

Catalonia will cast a large shadow over this year’s Cannes. Here’s a look at its titles in the festival and accompanying Marché du Film.

CANNES FESTIVAL

“Magellan,” Lav Díaz (Spain, Portugal, Philippines)

Screening in Cannes Premiere, Gael Garcia Bernal-starrer “Magalhães” is a historical epic about the life and voyages of the Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan. The film is a collaboration among multiple production companies, including the Catalan-based Andergraun Films, and showcases Lav Díaz’s distinct, slow-cinema style in tackling historical material.

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“Romería,” Carla Simón (Spain)

Part of Berlin Golden Bear-winner Simón’s autobiographical trilogy, “Romería” follows Marina, a young woman adopted at a young age, who travels to Vigo to meet her biological father’s family for the first time. The film continues the deeply personal storytelling tradition that won Simón international acclaim with “Alcarràs” and “Summer 1993.”

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“Sirat,” Oliver Laxe (Spain, Portugal, France)

After his Cannes Un Certain Regard win with “Fire Will Come,” Oliver Laxe returns with “Sirat,” a project shrouded in mystery but produced by major industry players like Pedro Almodóvar’s El Deseo and Movistar Plus. In Cannes’ main competition, the film promises Laxe’s signature contemplative style and visually immersive landscapes.

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“Sleepless City,” Guillermo Galoe (Spain, France)

Debuting in Critics’ Week, Guillermo Galoe’s first feature, “Sleepless City,” from Sintagma, Buenapinta Media, Encanta and BTeam Prods in Spain. The film explores the plight of a Romani family in one of Europe’s largest illegal slums on the outskirts of Madrid.

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“The Sorceress Echo,” Marc Camardons (Spain)

Selected for La Cinéf, “The Sorceress Echo” is a short film produced by ESCAC, one of Catalonia’s most prominent film schools. A tale with supernatural roots from a first-time filmmaker, the title’s selection marks it as another promising work from an emerging Catalan filmmaker.

“+10k,” Gala Hernández (Spain, France)

“+10k,” a short film playing Directors’ Fortnight, is a new work by Gala Hernández. Produced by 15-L Films and Don Quichotte Films, it follows a 21-year-old who lives with his mother but is seduced by ultra-modern get-rich-quick schemes.

MARCHÉ DU FILM

“Face of Grace,” Anna Martí Domingo and Laura Santos Martí (Spain)

Included in the Focus COPRO’ selection within Cinéma de Demain, “Face of Grace” is produced by Allegra Pictures and Nocturna Pictures. The project exemplifies emerging Catalan talent at Cannes, offering a glimpse into new narrative voices committed to fresh cinematic language.

“The Flight of the Stork,” Soumaya Hidalgo Djahdou, Berta Vicente Salas (Spain)

Another documentary participating in Cannes Docs, “The Flight of the Stork” is produced by Migranta Films. It examines a mother-daughter relationship as a young woman of Algerian descent prepares for a trip to her homeland for Ramadan.

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“We Were a Great Family,” Chiara Marañón, Juan Soto Taborda, Cristina Rosselló (Spain)

This documentary feature is part of Cannes Docs’ Spanish Showcase for documentaries in progress. Produced by LaCima Producciones and Sandelion Productions, the film revisits Spanish history under dictator Francisco Franco through intimate family videos recorded between 1942 and 1999.

Sales: Begin Again Films

“Who Knows?” Carlo Padial (Spain)

Presented within the Frontières Proof of Concept section at the Marché du Film, “Who Knows?” is a genre-driven project co-written with film critic and screenwriter Desirée de Fez. Produced by Catalunya Federation Studios and Federation Spain, this concept teases a bridge between European and North American markets for genre cinema.

“1999,” David Casademunt (Spain)

Selected for Fantastic 7, David Casademunt’s “1999” is a high-concept fantasy project, with production led by Coming Soon Films and Anonymous Content Spain. Known for his genre expertise, Casademunt’s new project further solidifies the Catalan presence – the region hosts the prestigious Sitges Film Festival for genre works – in the growing market for elevated genre storytelling.

SHORT FILM CORNER

“Made of Sugar,” Clàudia Cedó (Spain)

Part of Shortcat 2025 at the Short Film Corner, “Made of Sugar” is produced by Lastor Media (“Alcarràs”) and Suica Films. The short showcases Cedó’s talents and reflects the diverse range of contemporary Catalan storytelling styles.

“The Prince,” Àlex Sardà (Spain, Canada)

Also in Shortcat 2025, “The Prince” by Àlex Sardà is a co-production between 15-L Films and Canadian partners, broadening the international network for Catalan short filmmakers.

“Skin Despair,” Mireia Vilapuig (Spain)

From Nanouk Films (“This Is Not Sweden”), “Skin Despair” joins the Shortcat 2025 lineup, addressing deeply emotional and potentially provocative themes through its title and artistic ambitions.

“Our Room,” Jaume Claret (Spain)

Produced by budding director Claret (“Strange River”) and Dvein Films, Elías Querejeta Zine Eskola, and Miramemira, “Our Room” promises a collaborative and interdisciplinary storytelling effort under Shortcat 2025.

“Mater Benefacta,” Marc Riba and Anna Solanas (Spain)

From I+G Stop Motion, “Mater Benefacta” highlights the longstanding strength of Catalan stop-motion animation, brought into focus at this year’s Shortcat showcase.

“Where There is No Light,” Julia Garcia (Spain)

Produced by Corte A Films, “Where There is No Light” rounds out the Shortcat 2025 selection, continuing the tradition of innovative, auteur-driven short films representing Catalonia on the global stage.