First, a bit of context to set the scene. In the seventies, the Spanish city of Barcelona experienced a large growth period. This coincided with an uncomfortable transition to a democratic government. The prejudices towards certain areas of Spain were also in play and the peoples from Extremaduran and Andalusian were especially disregarded.
These transplanted communities were improvised and garnered few in the government that really cared about their plight. In the heart of this world, we meet Manolo Vital (Eduard Fernández) a man with a pronounced sense of empathy who rallies the people around him to improve their plight in life.
From extremely humble beginnings we then catch up with Manolo twenty years later. His lot in life has improved but his local community is still ignored by the local government and lacks almost everything but the most basic services. His job as a city bus driver has allowed him a better life but he still feels for his community.
Based on the true story of Manolo Vital, this work won the Best Film category at the 39th Goya Awards in 2025. It is a slow burner and takes its time to engage the viewer but as the story progresses it draws you in and you begin to emphasise with these people. Their lives were hard and this adversity helped to build an inspiring community that was inclusive and caring.
Rob Hudson
El 47 screenings in Brisbane
PALACE BARRACKS
Wednesday 18th June 8:30pm
Friday 20th June 8:30pm
Thursday 26th June 1:15pm
Sunday 29th June 10:30am
PALACE JAMES ST
Thursday 19th June 8:30pm
Saturday 21st June 11:00am
Sunday 29th June 3:50pm
Tuesday 1st July 1.15pm
The Spanish Film Festival runs in Brisbane from 11 June – 2 July 2025, and will take place at the Palace James Street and Palace Barracks cinemas.
Click here for more information about the festival, or head to the official website for more information and to book your tickets!
www.spanishfilmfestival.com
