MFDB

Storyline

Spain in the year 1946.Twenty-five-year-old Julia leaves Madrid, grief-stricken over the death of her lover, José, who has died in prison. Her partner was a talented painter and an outspoken opponent of the regime. Julia’s family is well-off and she was educated in England and in Switzerland. She drives her car towards Corrales de Somiedo, a small village in Asturias where the family estate, Lendelabarca, is located.The villa awakens pleasant memories for Julia of endless summers and a blissful childhood. The house and grounds are maintained by “Aunt”Gala, her daughter-in-law, Pilara and Juanito, Gala’s grandson. Juanito’s one big passion is the cinema. There is no cinema in their mountain village and so films are projected at Café España; the boy makes a note of every single film title. One day Julia receives a visit from a young man who was a close friend of José’s and was also in prison with him.The young man hands Julia a farewell letter written by José before his death. In it, José begs Julia for the sake of their love to live on and not to lose heart. As time goes by, Julia finds it possible to open herself towards those around her once again. She begins to spend a lot of time with Juanito in particular; she plays him opera music, teaches him a few dance steps and how to use a typewriter. With the help of the village schoolteacher, Orfeo, and the local priest, Don Matías, she organises a nativity play, after which they all celebrate Christmas together. Slowly but surely, the young woman begins to come out of her mourning and pick up her life again.

Festivals & Academy awards and others

Berlin International Film Festival 2001
Competition
Silver Bear for an outstanding single achievement (Raúl Pérerz Cubero)