¡Viva! kicks off today

Less than 4 hours to go until the 18th ¡Viva! Spanish and Latin American Film Festival kicks off!

After the festivities of tonight’s Opening Gala, tomorrow we’re giving you the opportunity to put your questions to both Minerva Cuevas, with the Artist’s Tour of the exhibition Landings, and Emilio Aragon the director of our opening night film, Pájaros de papel, either during the post-screening Q&A, or in Café Cervantes if you’re a Spanish speaker looking for a more personal experience.

And don’t forget we’ll be welcoming another guest to the festival the following weekend, when Carles Torras flies in from Barcelona to present the UK Premiere of his tense and atmospheric piece Open 24H. He’ll also take part in Sunday’s social event Cafè ‘Els Quatre Gats’, where Catalan speakers of all levels are welcome.

Fans of the Catalan capital have the opportunity to admire the view from the rooftops of Barcelona in Terrados on Tuesday evening. The director/actor Demian Sabini made this on a shoe-string budget, reflecting the difficult economic reality that is its extremely topical subject matter.

If South American flights of fancy are more your cup of tea, enter the curious world of nine-year-old Cayetana in Las Malas intenciones. Lonely and alienated from her parents, she retreats into an imaginary world of Peruvian historical heroes. You’ve got three opportunities to watch it so

We’re also delighted to tell you that the charming Arrugas won the Goya for Best Animated Film at the Spanish award ceremony last month. This Saturday is your chance to see it here on the big screen so what are you waiting for.

Enjoy the opening weekend and don’t forget to book any tickets in advance to avoid disappointment! And check out the full festival programme here.

Jessie Gibbs
¡Viva! Festival Co-ordinator