A special programme celebrating the mastery of one of Europe’s most exciting film talents, Catalan director Carla Simón, winner of the Golden Bear at the last Berlinale with Alcarràs (playing at GFT from Fri 6 Jan).
This screening brings together Carla Simón’s first film, the celebrated Summer 1993, alongside some of her early short films. A cinematic journey through the themes and obsessions that populate the world of Carla Simón’s cinema, from her early short films as a London Film School student to recent works.
Programme presented in collaboration with CinemaAttic and New Wave Films
Summer 1993 (Carla Simón)
1h37m, 2017
In Carla Simón's touching autobiographical film, six-year-old Frida looks on in silence as the last objects from her recently deceased mother's apartment in Barcelona are placed in boxes. Although her aunt, uncle, and younger cousin Anna welcome her with open arms, it's only very slowly that Frida begins to get used to her new home in the countryside. Punctuated by moments of youthful exuberance and mature ruminations, this coming of age drama, set amongst summery hues, is an extraordinarily moving snapshot of being a child in an adult world, anchored by flawless performances by its two young stars.
Women (Carla Simón)
6m, 2009
A short shot in 16mm that could well be a tribute to Maya Deren.
Lipstick (Carla Simón)
9m, 2013
Sophia and Oliver, two little siblings, enjoy playing at their grandma’s place while she sleeps. Their games get interrupted when Oliver realizes that grandma is dead. The first short in which Carla Simón films children. A story of loss from a child's perspective. Shot on 35mm as a film exercise for The London Film School.
Correspondence (Carla Simón, Dominga Sotomayor)
19m, 2020
Filmmakers Carla Simón and Dominga Sotomayor established an epistolary relationship presenting small moments of their lives through super 8mm and digital filmed letters. Between the two of them, they reflect on memory, motherhood, family and cinema.