Película, 12th Spanish Film Festival Noche del Cine Argentino

Gabriel Nesci

Película-Pelikula, the annual Spanish Film Festival which recently held its 12th edition, does not only feature films from Spain but also from other Spanish speaking nations like Mexico, Chile and Argentina. And just like in previous years, there is always the Noche del Cine Argentino, a day/night in Pelikula fully devoted to Argentinean cinema co-presented by the Embassy of Argentina.

I was able to attend this year’s Noche del Cine Argentino and was able to see two films Días de pesca en Patagonia and Días de Vinilo. I was also able to meet Gabriel Nesci, the director of Días de Vinilo who presented his film on that night prior to the screening.

Días de pesca en Patagonia/Gone Fishing

This film directed by Carlos Sorín tells the story of Marco Tucci (Alejandro Awada), a 52 year old salesman, who travels to Puerto Deseado in Patagonia to go shark fishing. But we learn that this trip is just a cover in his attempt to reconnect with his estranged daughter, Ana (Victoria Almeida). Días de pesca en Patagonia is a very melancholic, quiet and introspective film about a father coming into terms with the consequences of his past actions. There weren’t many details on why the two got estranged but Marco’s alcoholism probably played a big part in it. For those who were hoping for a happy ending with Marco patching things up with Ana and her family, they’d be up for disappointment especially if they imagined everybody enjoying dinner together. But it did offer a satisfying conclusion making me realize that events in life happen to the point that it would be impossible to go back to before. The film also gave the viewers a glimpse of Patagonia, an idyllic place at the southern end of South America which is not the first picture that comes to mind whenever people think of Argentina.

Días de Vinilo/Vinyl Days

Días de Vinilo, written and directed by Gabriel Nesci is a film about a group of friends Damián (Gastón Pauls), Facundo (Rafael Spregelburd), Luciano (Fernán Mirás) and Marcelo (Ignacio Toselli) who find themselves at the crossroads whether be it in love, at work or in life. Damián, a screenwriter, tries to redeem himself after a heavily panned romantic comedy by coming up with a new and serious screenplay based on his last relationship with a snobby art critic. Facundo, is getting married but getting a taste of the rock star lifestyle (and a hit composition) puts some serious doubt in his wedding. Luciano, a radio presenter, turns for the worse (he gets turns deaf and falls in love with Facundo’s fiancée) when his ex girlfriend, a fledgling singer, comes out with a massive hit based on a song bashing him. Marcelo, on the other hand, still struggles to make his Beatles tribute band called The Hitles take off and a new woman in his life only serves to complicate things for him.

I may not have gone through any of the experiences of these characters but I was able to relate to their struggles since I think that I belong to their age group. I think that I’m also at that crucial time when one has to really get serious in life and let go of the stuff that has been holding on back from moving forward. Or in other words, I think that I’m also undergoing midlife crisis already. These four friends manage to overcome these obstacles in neat (albeit predictable) fashion which makes this comedy film a feel good one. One very poignant moment in the movie was when the four see a video clip of themselves taken a decade ago which made them really reflect on what their lives had been so far. This clip spurred them to action, throwing away all hesitations and going on with their lives realizing that they’ve held themselves back for the longest time.

Gabriel Nesci and Cherie Gil

It was great to meet Gabriel Nesci whose love for music especially the Beatles, was really felt throughout in the film. And for a music enthusiast like me, the film's soundtrack was truly enjoyable. The audience’s reaction to the film was also very positive and Gabriel was very pleased in hearing the laughter (at the right moments) inside the cinema. Among those who watched the film was Filipina actress Cherie Gil who was all smiles as she chatted with Gabriel during the cocktails that was held after the film. It wasn’t only Cherie Gil who enjoyed the film since Días de Vinilo eventually won the Audience Choice Award of this year’s festival.

Instituto Cervantes' José María Fons Guardiola, Gabriel Nesci, 
Embassy of the Argentine Republic Chargé d'affaires Monica Deregibus,
and councilor Federico Navia

Noche del Cine Argentino, a highlight of Película-Pelikula, the 12^th Spanish Film Festival was made possible by the Embassy of the Argentine Republic. Special thanks go out to the Embassy of the Argentine Republic's Chargé d'affaires Minister Monica Deregibus and councilor Federico Navia.

This event was presented by the Embassy of Spain–AECID, Instituto Cervantes, Ayala Cinemas, the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) and Manila Contemporary. The event is made possible by Greenbelt, San Miguel Corporation, Qatar Airways, the Embassy of Argentina, in collaboration with Maersk Global Service Centers, Cemex, Emperador Distillers, the City Government of Zamboanga, Ayala Museum, the SPCC.  And with special thanks to Centunion Philippines, Ayala Land Premier, Tyler, Alba’s Restaurante Español, Espa-Fil and Intercontinental Manila.