The Festival Internacional de Cine La Mirada Tabú is set to return to Zaragoza from December 5 to 14, 2024, showcasing films from 110 countries. This annual event highlights contemporary cinema and underscores its cultural significance, featuring renowned filmmakers, a lineup of documentaries, discussions, and workshops designed to enrich the audience’s experience.
The Festival Internacional de Cine La Mirada Tabú, a prominent cultural event in Zaragoza, will celebrate its eleventh edition in December 2024, establishing itself as a vital platform for contemporary cinema. The festival will be mainly hosted at the Filmoteca de Zaragoza and will extend its reach to other cultural venues in the city, including CaixaForum, the Centro Joaquín Roncal, the Galería Olga Julián, the studio La Fontanería, and the Centro Musical Las Armas.
Inaugural Highlights
The festival will be inaugurated with a significant event, featuring the screening of the documentary «La memoria del cine: una película sobre Fernando Méndez-Leite.» Esteemed filmmaker Fernando Méndez-Leite and producer Félix Tussell will attend, sharing their insights on cinema and its cultural impact, thereby enhancing the audience’s experience.
Notable Participation
Spanish filmmaker Isaki Lacuesta will act as the festival’s godfather for this edition. His film «Segundo premio,» inspired by the indie group Los Planetas and selected by the Academy of Film to represent Spain at the Oscars, will be screened during the festival. Lacuesta will also engage in a discussion about his body of work and cinematic vision. The event will conclude with a concert by his band Walking Disaster Area, adding a musical dimension to this cinematic celebration.
Record-breaking Submissions
The festival’s official section witnesses a remarkable surge in interest, having received a record 4,002 submissions from 110 countries. This diverse selection prominently features Ibero-American and Asian cinema. Screenings in the official section will occur on December 10, 11, and 12, with award winners announced at the closing ceremony on December 14 at CaixaForum Zaragoza.
Tribute to Filmmakers
In line with its commitment to cinema history, each edition of the festival pays homage to a filmmaker who has explored taboo concepts in their work. This year, the accolade goes to Ventura Pons, whose film «Amic/Amat» will be screened alongside a panel discussion moderated by Santiago Fouz Hernández, Professor of Iberian Studies and Cinematography at Durham University. This tribute aims to celebrate Pons’s career and foster critical dialogue about cinematic taboos and their cultural significance.
Enriched Cultural Activities
The festival is complemented by a range of pre-events and parallel activities that promote greater interaction with the public. On December 4, the documentary «La primera mirada,» highlighting the first film school in Spain, will be screened, alongside the presentation of Wim Wenders’s book «En torno a ‘Paris, Texas’.» During the festival, audiences can look forward to documentaries such as «Marisol llámame Pepa,» «Buñuel en Hollywood,» and «Terapia de parejas,» accompanied by introductions from their directors. Additionally, the festival will host book presentations, discussions, workshops, concerts, and exhibitions, enriching the cultural journey for attendees.
Encouraging Emerging Talent
The festival is dedicated to nurturing emerging talent through several awards. Prizes will include the First and Second Prize, a Special Jury Award, the Tabú Social Award sponsored by ASAPME, the Tabú Gender Award sponsored by Comarca Central, and a new Tabú USJ Training Award aimed at undergraduate students in Audiovisual Communication and Film Schools. This new award, a result of collaboration with the Universidad San Jorge, underscores the bond between education and cinematic arts.
Organizational Support
Led by filmmaker Vicky Calavia, the Festival Internacional de Cine La Mirada Tabú enjoys support from the Zaragoza City Council and various collaborations that ensure its sustainability and expansion. Through this event, Zaragoza reinforces its commitment to the promotion of contemporary culture and cinema.
The eleventh edition of the Festival Internacional de Cine La Mirada Tabú promises a wealth of innovative cinematic offerings, enriching dialogues, and significant tributes. With a robust program and participation from both distinguished and emerging filmmakers, the festival will continue to stimulate critical reflections on cinema and its ability to address societal taboos. The cultural community of Zaragoza prepares to welcome filmmakers and cinema enthusiasts, reaffirming the city’s place on the international cultural map. Mark your calendars for December 5 to 14, 2024.
