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Donostia-San Sebastian. The International Film Festival of Guadalajara starts tomorrow and will run through March 9th with an important representation of Basque cinema, according to the Etxepare Basque Institute. Three Basque films will participate in the official section of the contest including Snow White by Pablo Berger, the documentary “What about Columbus,” by Lander Camarero and the short Hamaiketakoa by Telmo Esnal

In addition to these productions the documentary “Asier ETA biok" (Asier and I) will also be part of the Films in Progress section.  “Asier ETA biok,” is a full-length film co-directed by Aitor Merino and his sister, documentary maker Amaia Merino that treats the Basque conflict and friendship.  Aitor Merino grew up in Iruña, along with his friend Asier.  Years later Aitor goes to Madrid where he fulfills his dream of becoming an actor.  Aiser, on the other hand, becomes part of ETA, is arrested and spends 8 years in jail.  When he gets out in July of 2010 Aitor decided to pick up his camera and film this documentary.

“I talked a lot to my friends in Madrid about Asier; the special thing for me was our friendship.  But, often the conversation would turn to questions that I couldn’t answer: How do you make them understand your friendship with an ETA militant?  How do you make them understand a decision that I was also having trouble assimilating?” says Merino on the film’s website.

The actor and co-director, Amaia Merino, will be in Guadalajara on March 5th to present the film in the Films in Progress section with support from the Etxepare Basque Institute.