Festival Retina Returns This Weekend with Its Summer Outdoor Edition in Zaragoza
The RETINA Film and Music Festival is celebrating its second summer edition on September 12 and 13 at the Ámbar Beer Factory, featuring two screenings with live soundtracks. The event serves as a precursor to the ninth regular edition, scheduled for February 23 to March 8, 2026.
Program and Featured Artists
Friday, September 12: The Madrid-based duo Ombligo will perform live the soundtrack to «What Have I Done to Deserve This?» (Pedro Almodóvar, 1984). The film, starring Carmen Maura, portrays life in a working-class neighborhood in Madrid and was pivotal in the international recognition of the director from La Mancha. Ombligo’s music blends Balkan folklore, bolero, and swing with touches of contemporary jazz.
Saturday, September 13: The Catalan singer-songwriter Joana Serrat, recognized for her international standing in the Spanish folk scene, will provide the music for «A True Story» (David Lynch, 1999). The film, starring Richard Farnsworth and Sissy Spacek, narrates the true journey of an elderly man who travels hundreds of kilometers on a lawn mower to reunite with his brother.
Background of the Festival
RETINA VERANO is celebrating its second consecutive edition following the success of the eighth edition of the main festival, held last March. Both projects being presented this weekend originally premiered in 2024 and 2021 respectively as part of the PLAY section, the most recognized segment of the event, and sold out tickets at that time.
The festival has transcended the local Zaragoza scene and has reached cities such as Valencia, Barcelona, and Seville, establishing itself as one of the most significant audiovisual events in Aragon.
Practical Information
The screenings will take place at 9:00 PM in the outdoor space of the Ámbar Beer Factory, located on Ramón Berenguer IV Street in Zaragoza. Tickets are priced at 15 euros and include one drink, available on the festival’s official website and nearing sell-out according to the organizers.
The event allows attendees to savor a selection of beers from the hosting brand, maintaining the summer spirit as the city transitions back to its September routine, creating a space where culture and leisure naturally meet.
