Elastica Movies Boards Anekumen by Irati Gorostidi

Elastica Movies, a prominent arthouse distributor and a key player in the Spanish film industry, has secured the distribution rights for the critically acclaimed film “Anekumen,” directed by the talented emerging filmmaker Irati Gorostidi. This distributor is known for acquiring award-winning films, including “Sentimental Worth,” “The Secret Agent,” and “Sound of Falling,” along with the competitive entry “Romería,” which was also produced by Elastica. The company’s commitment to supporting innovative cinema continues with this latest acquisition, showcasing its dedication to fostering new voices in Spanish cinema.

“Anekumen” is a historically inspired drama filmed in 16 mm, which will be showcased as a work in progress at the upcoming ECAM Forum Co-Production Market in Madrid next week. This event serves as a significant platform for filmmakers to present their projects and connect with potential collaborators and investors, further emphasizing the importance of film markets in the development of independent cinema.

Leading the production of “Anekumen” is prominent Basque producer Leire Appellaniz, who is at the helm of her company Apellaniz y de Sosa, known for its work on “The Sacred Spirit.” She co-runs the production company Sr. & Sra with Ion de Sosa and Aritz Moreno. Appellaniz passionately shared, “Anekumen embodies the essence of the cinema I advocate for: profound, with a strong ethical and creative perspective, and a distinctive feminine viewpoint.” She has been closely involved in the project’s development for the past seven to eight years, highlighting her dedication to nurturing original storytelling in the film industry.

The project began with a short film titled “Contadores,” which was selected for the prestigious Cannes Critics’ Week 2023. This short served as a compelling calling card and a pilot for the feature-length version of “Anekumen,” bringing together a talented creative team, including Director of Photography Ion de Sosa and producer Appellaniz. The narrative, initially focused on a group of workers in the Basque province of Gipuzkoa, was later expanded to form the foundational storyline of the full-length film, demonstrating the project’s evolution and depth.

“Anekumen” is rooted in extensive research conducted by Gorostidi about Spain’s sociopolitical landscape during the late 1970s. Set in San Sebastián in 1978, the film revolves around factory workers who gather to discuss a strike that ultimately fails to materialize. The narrative follows the most radical among them, who becomes disillusioned and leaves the factory to join the hippie commune known as Anekumen, nestled in the mountains. This story not only reflects the struggles of the workforce but also captures the cultural shifts of the time.

Irati Gorostidi, whose own parents were Basque militants and briefly joined a commune during that transformative era, expressed her desire to delve into this pivotal period in Spanish history. Her aim is to re-evaluate its narratives, pose critical questions, and present a fresh perspective that resonates with contemporary audiences. By exploring the complexities of this historical backdrop, Gorostidi seeks to shed light on the intertwining of labor movements and communal living during a time of societal upheaval.

Gorostidi elaborated on the historical context, stating, “After decades of dictatorship, many individuals from my parents’ generation were yearning for significant changes but found themselves disappointed. I wanted to connect the workers’ movements of that time with the communes that began to emerge in the Basque region, where people believed they could manifest their utopian dreams and escape the conventional structure of Spanish society.” This reflection highlights the aspirations and disillusionments faced by a generation seeking transformation.

“The Basque Country from the 1970s to the 1980s is often mistakenly associated solely with the ETA armed struggle, yet there were other vital political movements like the Gipuzkoan workers’ movement, where individuals sought to enact positive societal change,” Apellaniz remarked. She believes that “Anekumen” will resonate with audiences aged 60 and above, politically engaged youth, and those interested in this crucial chapter of Spanish history. The film aims to highlight the diverse narratives that contributed to the cultural fabric of the time.

Gorostidi emphasized the relevance of the issues faced by the people during that era, stating, “Concerns surrounding sexual liberation, gender equality, and environmental issues are shared by many from my generation. I hope this film will spark conversations and encourage reflections on concepts of collectivity and alternative—perhaps wiser—lifestyles.” This desire for discourse underlines the film’s aim to connect historical struggles with contemporary societal issues, enriching the dialogue around these themes. For the film’s cast, Gorostidi primarily selected non-professional actors who participated in the research process, creating a personal connection to the material and enhancing the film’s authenticity.

Currently in the post-production phase, “Anekumen” has garnered support from the ICAA, Spain’s national public broadcaster RTVE, and the Basque public broadcaster EITB. The film is anticipated to be released in early July, marking another significant milestone in its journey from concept to completion.

At the ECAM Forum in Madrid, Appellaniz will also present her directorial debut in fiction, a sci-fi drama currently in early development titled “Zuria.” This film is set in the dystopian future of Bilbao-Zuria in 2077, where climate catastrophe has reached an irreversible state. The narrative follows Carmen and her teenage daughter Ira, who are part of an ecofeminist group, La Orden. Together, they collaborate with the activist group Las Niñas Torcidas, whose mission is to counteract the impending doom of the planet.

Appellaniz shared her passion for the genre, stating, “I have always loved sci-fi, both in literature and film. My father was a huge fan as well. I have directed several documentaries, but I felt compelled to create something that addresses the future. This will be a dystopian eco-friendly and spiritual drama from a feminist perspective.” Her enthusiasm for the genre promises a unique exploration of crucial themes through a speculative lens.

The dedicated producer will also represent the survival drama “Balearic,” co-produced with Ion de Sosa, featuring actors Luka Péros, known for “Money Heist” and “Marseille,” Christina Rosenvinge, and Maria Llopis, at the ECAM Forum. This Spanish-French project is being produced by Umbracle Cine, Apellaniz y de Sosa, Jaibo Films, and France’s La Fabrica Nocturna Cineìma. As of now, distribution and sales details are still pending confirmation, showcasing the ongoing developments in the film’s journey to audiences.

Appellaniz expressed her enthusiasm for the ECAM Forum, stating, “The ECAM Forum is the perfect venue to pitch projects: it’s relaxed and medium-sized, which fosters quality conversations. Alberto Valverde and his team are incredibly talented and are doing a fantastic job bringing together key industry players—including programmers, producers, and sales agents—that we need to connect with. I’m looking forward to being there!” This excitement reflects the importance of such forums in facilitating meaningful interactions within the film industry.