Fernando Esteso, Arantxa Echevarría and Alex de la Croix will be the other major protagonists of this edition
The XXIII International Film Festival of Benalmádena (FICCAB) has raised the curtain tonight with an inaugural gala held at the Casa de la Cultura de Arroyo de la Honey, in which two film figures have been paid tribute: Canadian director Atom Egoyan and Malaysian filmmaker José Antonio Hergueta.
The event of the beginning of the Festival has been chaired by the mayor of Benalmádena, Juan Antonio Lara; the town council of Culture, Jésica Trujillo; the editor and councillor - delegate of the Port, José Luis Bergillos; the provincial deputy of Security and Emergency, Luis Rodríguez del Pozo; members of the Corporation and the directors of the FICCAB, José Ramón Martínez Verestegui and Jaime Noguera.
Shortly after 8: 00 in the afternoon and with a full courtyard of public seats, the Karim Wizard has been in charge of starting a ceremony marked by a comic touch, which has uprooted the laughter and applause of the attendees.
In the early moments of the gala, the essential role that the Festival has played in the promotion and projection of international cinema in Benalmádena over the years has been highlighted. "This event, which is approaching its twenty-fifth anniversary, has been a cultural window through which the neighbours of the
The city has been able to discover filmmakers and stories from all over the world, "said the councilwoman of Culture, Jésica Trujillo.
The mayor of Benalmádena, Juan Antonio Lara, has also taken the floor during the inaugural gala with a speech in which he has emphasized that this festival is presented before us "as that essential quote" and stresses the importance of empowering it to "shine with its own light."
A view of the different sections that make up the FICCAB this year has been offered, where the short film contest, composed of 29 works, has been highlighted, along with special cycles such as the 'Recent Panorama of the Andalusian documentary', 'Interfestivals', the tribute to Marlon Brando or the presentation of a documentary on the workers of Tivoli, among others.
The first to collect the 'City of Benalmádena' Film Prize was the Malaysian director Jose Antonio Hergueta, who during his speech claimed the need to listen to all the stories. "Attention must be paid to the stories that are not heard, but at a time when there is fear of speaking for censorship," the filmmaker said.
FICCAB has wanted to pay tribute to the trajectory of José Antonio Hergueta, whose film is characterized by a remarkable dedication to the documentary film of cultural, historical and research themes. Throughout his career, Hergueta has participated in numerous international productions and received important awards, including two Carmen Awards and two Goya nominations. As a producer, he has been distinguished with the Silver Biznaga and the Talento Andaluz Award of RTVA at the Malaga Festival, consolidating his figure in the Andalusian and national film panorama.
Canadian filmmaker Atom Egoyan has been the second and last guest to go on stage to receive the 'City of Benalmádena' Film Prize. Known for films like 'The sweet hereafter' or 'Ararat', the director has shown his thanks to Benalmádena for this award. And he added that, as
Armenian, is very welcome in Spain: "After my country, this is one of the places where my work has been most recognized."
At the end of the gala, the attendees have had the opportunity to enjoy the film 'Exotics', which has officially opened the 23rd edition of the FICCAB. Directed and written by Atom Egoyan, the film follows the story of a lonely Finance Inspector who goes every night to the Exotic striptease club, on the outskirts of Toronto, to watch Christina dance, a sensual young woman who undresses for the male audience in the eyes of her ex-boyfriend, the local dj.
In addition to this projection, the Festival will celebrate the work of Atom Egoyan with a retrospective cycle that includes the projection of 'Remember', 'The Adjuster' and 'The Sweet Future'. It will also pay tribute to the film trajectory of Hergueta with the projection of 'Caleta Palace', which will be presented tomorrow, Sunday, October 20, at 21: 00, at the House of Culture of Arroyo de la Honey.
During the week of the celebration of the competition, there will also be a tribute to three great names of Spanish cinema. Fernando Esteso will be awarded the "Una Vida de Cine" award in an emotional gala to be held on Thursday, October 24, at 21: 00 at the Casa de la Cultura.
For her part, the talented director Arantxa Echevarría will receive the Benalmádena City Direction Award during the closing gala, which will take place on Saturday October 26 at 20: 00 on the same stage. That night the actress Alex de la Croix will also be recognized, who will be distinguished with the Interpretation Award, thus closing a week of recognition.
The tickets to the projections are free of charge until complete capacity. The invitations for the galas are withdrawn at the House of Culture the day before the gala, from 10: 00 and 17: 00. An invitation quota shall be reserved for each time section.
