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Bego Miñaur. The Basque film festival in Barcelona, Zinemaldia Cat, concluded on February 22^nd, leaving everyone very satisfied with this first edition.  It was truly the ninth edition of the festival organized by the Basque club, but it was the first for films to be shown in local theaters.

“It was very well-received by Basques in Barcelona as well as the locals,” Ekaitz Garate told EuskalKultura.com.  “We felt a lot of support from the world of Catalan film.  Big names participated as competition judges like: director, Marc Recha, and producer Jordi Ambros, as well as actors Aina Clotet and Joal Joan.  Their participation was incredible, as they didn’t just see the films, but they helped Basque guests in making contacts here.  We want the festival to continue being a showcase of Basque film but we also want it to become a bridge with the world of Catalonian film.”

[Actor and judge, Joel Joan talking to Ander Otaola, actor in the film Gernika Under the Bombs that was shown as part of the inauguration of Zinemaldia Cat (photoJordiBorras)]

[Actor Gorka Otxoa, being interviewd by journalists from ETB.  The local media also covered the festival (photoJoriBorras)]

The winner of the Txapela d’Or was the documentary Izenik Gabe 133x200 by Monika Zumeta that reflects the creative process of painter, Jose Luis Zumeta.

In addition, the organizers highlighted the high attendance with sessions being almost completely full at the Girona theaters.  In all, nearly 1,200 spectators attended the festival, and on the last day when Asier ETA biok was being shown, there were folks left outside.  “When we saw the amount of people wanting to see it, the theater decided to re-premiere the film, that will be shown all this week,” Garate added.

[Passing out t-shirts to those who participated in the festival’s micro-patronage campaign (photoJordiBorras)]

You the producers

Another novelty of this Zinemaldia Cat is that it was partly financed by a micro patronage campaign.  The response to the campaign was very good with it reaching its goal and more, 103% of its budget just days prior to the start of the festival.

“We breathed easier when we reached our goal,” Garate confessed.  “Almost 100 people donated, regardless of today’s situation.  The most successful formula was a donation in exchange for tickets or t-shirts.  We were also very surprised by the number of people who donated from the Basque Country, despite not being able to attend in person and see the films.”

The formula was successful, not only from the amount of money raised but also by its getting people involved in the festival.  “People felt like they were part of it and as we said at the inauguration, this wouldn’t have been possible without them.  It’s cliché but true.  They were the producers of this festival.” Garate concluded.