9 SEP 2021 · In this laid-back conversation with director Elena Lopez Riera we discuss her cinema in a relaxed atmosphere, blurring the boundaries between theory of cinema and life, fiction and reality, laughs and essential discussions on identity. Elena talks to Rafa and Alberto about elements of her cinema like the representation of disarray as well as her interest in how regional rituals shape the individual-community spirit of this part of Spain -and how those pass from one generation to the next-. We also get to talk to Elena about her upcoming first feature “El Agua” featuring Barbara Lennie and Nieve de Medina. Unsophisticated, atavistic and incredibly poetic, Elena Lopez Riera cinema walks in the limits of non-fiction. Raw, powerful, earthy and yet, with a lyrical spirit and a constant desire to fly away. The traditions and memory of the place are filmed as a fascinating and often spectral presence, catalysts for the ancient and the modern, bringing together generations and heterogeneous groups creating community. Linked to the interest in ritual and the exploration of origins. From the Spanish Easter processions to colombiculture to the slaughter of the rabbit, small acts of daily life that leave a mark in the memory of Spanish youth. Little acts that passed from one generation to the next. They are presented as vestiges of a culture that unites past and present and that, in turn, serve Elena Lopez Riera to connect with her roots.

9 SEP 2021 · In Today’s episode we travel to Vilanova in Galicia to chat with Alvaro Gago about his films, the desire to return home, cinema as a collective effort, ideas on global cinema and working with natural actors. We do it as Alvaro prepares to start the shooting of his first feature “Matria”, following the award winning short of the same name that went on to get the Grand Jury Prize in Sundance 2018. The influence of Cuban film school EICTV or teachings of Abbas Kiarostami in his cinema becomes obvious, and we discuss how to get “the real” out of natural actors. Being editor and director we discuss tempo with Alvaro and how to allow the rhythm of everyday life enter in the film, long takes and working with non-professional actors like the great Francisca Iglesias Bouzón (Matria). We also about the ethics and politics behind making films, team-building, collective effort and working with his network of supporters including women like casting director Analia Alonso, director of photography Lucia C. Pan or producer Mireia Graell.