Hot Docs 2024 – Shorts: Our Review of ‘Made in Spain’ Program

Posted in Hot Docs 2024 by - May 03, 2024
Hot Docs 2024 – Shorts: Our Review of ‘Made in Spain’ Program

Aqueronte – Manuel Muñoz Rivas

What does it really mean to feel connected? Is it as simple as sharing a space and working together toward a common goal? Picture passengers on a ferry, crossing vast waters. Each person, in their own way, is trying to make time fly by, all united in the journey ahead and the bigger dreams awaiting them.

As the day unfolds, time seems to slow down. People find comfort in their vehicles, surrounded by the soft glow of evening light. The ferry glides along, water gently splashing against its sides, while the beauty of nature shimmers in golden hues. Suddenly, the film shifts to journey’s end—passengers waking up, ready to pay their fares and embark on their next adventure. The shore approaches, and time marches on. This simple film captures the magic of connection in shared spaces, reminding us that these seemingly ordinary moments are what truly bring us together as human beings.

Vuelta a Riaño (Back to Riano) – Miriam Martin

Space and place mean a lot more than just where things are—it’s about the stories and memories that stay with them over time. Filmmaker Miriam Martin explores how people’s personal connections to land clash with political interests. She tells the story of Riaño, a small community hit hard by a dam project that cut off their water supply. The film jumps between this history and a later bike race held in the same area. By using old footage, Martin helps us see how places hold onto the past, shaping the stories we tell as communities. It’s a reminder of why it’s so crucial to respect these stories and understand how they affect us today.

Aitana – Marina Alberti

An intimate view on the transformation of life after memory loss, and the gained perspective of those left to watch the world move forward. Aitana takes its basis from conversations between a mother and a daughter. It weaves through the beautiful and tragedic realities of supporting the people you love as they lose who they once were. It speaks to the importance of the here and now – shifting focus from what has been lost, to what can still be gained. Simple moments depicted of holding hands, sharing stories, and admiring the experiences of a new generation slides the focus from that of tragedy to comfort. We know what we know when we know it, and maybe sometimes we have to be okay with that being enough.

Salt Covers All – Joana Moya

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8… 

The journey of the women who weave each thread into the nets cast out by the fishermen within their community, filmmaker Joana Moya quietly depicts the behind the scenes story of those who continue to build the most necessary elements of the fishing industry within the coasts of the Basque Country – fishing nets. Hands rough from years of working with fine threads, and salt covered fabric, these women are the backbone of this industry while hardly being recognized for their labour-intensive valuable work. This piece is simple, yet the use of lighting and repeated scenes of counting stitches speaks to the mystery adored within their position. It is a beautiful story of how community is the most important aspect of all industry.

This post was written by
Caitie Talty is a teacher in Edmonton, Alberta currently working on her Master's in Educational Studies. As a lover of all things literacy, she is beginning her deep dive into obscure films and texts, and finding new ways to speak her thoughts on both elements into public existence. Outside of building on her film education, she enjoys spending time with her partner, traveling the world, and trying to pet every dog she crosses paths with.
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