Celebrating Berlanga’s Centennial: Calabuch

2801 16th St NW,Washington DC 20009

10 November, 2021

Description

The Cultural Office of the Embassy of Spain will host a special screening of “The Rocket of Calabuch” to celebrate Berlanga's Centennial As part of the Luis García Berlanga Centennial series screened at AFI Silver Theatre, the Cultural Office of the Embassy of Spain will host a special screening of “The Rocket of Calabuch” to honor the Spanish film director with a presentation by film critic and journalist Josep Lambies. Luis García Berlanga is one of the most outstanding directors in Spanish cinema history. His long and fruitful film-making career, his unmistakable identifying traits, his corrosive humour, and the way he directed some of our cinema’s greatest classics of the twentieth century, make him more than worthy of this description. 2021 marks a hundred years since his birth, and with this series ‘The bitter laughter of Berlanga’, AFI wants to take advantage of this moment to revisit eight of his films that together pave a journey through his career and evolution as filmmaker. Screening at the Former Residence of the Ambassadors of Spain The Rocket of Calabuch On Wednesday, November 10, 6.30 pmBy Luis García Berlanga, Spain, 1956, 102 minutes. Original title: CalabuchIn Spanish with English subtitles. Presentation by Josep Lambies.Free, RSVP required.In Luis García Berlanga's CALABUCH, Academy Award®-winner Edmund Gwenn (MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET) plays an aging American atomic scientist fed up with his destructive work who retires in secret to the titular, peaceful Mediterranean village. There, he befriends the locals and enriches their lives with wondrous fireworks displays — until his photo appears in the newspaper and the army comes calling. Known for his biting and critical portrayal of provincial Spanish life, Berlanga here pays tribute to the good-natured spirit and community-mindedness of friendly country folk. The film is perhaps one of the Valencian director’s more sentimental films, set in a small town from his own region. The film has often been overlooked by critics commenting on the Berlangan works. It is characterised by hints of optimism and ingenuity and an endearing humour that is far from the poignancy and corrosive criticism that normally characterize Berlanga’s films, especially post-1970s. About Josep Lambies Josep Lambies (Barcelona, 1987) is a cultural journalist and film critic. For ten years he was part of the editorial staff of Time Out magazine in Spain. He has appeared on many Spanish television and radio programs talking about his main passion: movies. He also has a PhD in Film Studies from Pompeu Fabra University and for a long time he has combined his academic research with teaching assignments at centers of study and education such as CCCB (Centre de Cultura Contemporània de Barcelona) or ESCAC (Escola de Cinema i Audiovisual de Catalunya). He currently resides in Washington, D.C. This event is part of the series “Luis García Berlanga Centennial at AFI Silver ”. Check our event to learn more about it. Important Information (please read carefully) A reservation on Eventbrite is mandatory, printed tickets are not required. Seating is available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Doors open 20 minutes before posted showtime. Ticket holders will have access to the event while space is available. A reservation does not guarantee admission. Ticket holders should arrive at least 10 minutes prior to the start to guarantee seats. No Late Seating, ticket holders may not be allowed to enter 15 minutes after posted showtime. Right of admission reserved. If you need special assistance, please contact us at [email protected]. Additional Visitor Guidelines and Safety Measures This activity takes place indoors. All guests must be fully vaccinated and wear a mask during the event. All safety COVID19 protocols will be followed. By registering, you are acknowledging that an inherent risk of exposure to COVID-19 exists by attending this event on the premises of the Embassy of Spain. You and any family members and guests voluntarily assume all risks related to exposure to COVID-19. How to get there: The best way to arrive is by public transportation. The closest Metro station is Columbia Heights (Green and Yellow line). Limited metered and two-hour zoned parking is available in the surrounding neighborhoods. Public parking garage is available at DC USA Shopping Mall (Columbia Heights Metro Station). Subscribe to our Newsletter to never miss an event by SPAIN arts & culture in Washington DC. SPAIN arts & culture features the most cutting-edge works of international renowned Spanish artists in fields such as design, urban culture, architecture, visual arts, film, performing arts, literature and music. A series of exhibitions, conferences, showcases, and performances take place every year at the most prestigious American cultural institutions bringing a taste of all the creativity, history, and talent of Spanish artists to the American public.