I'm a working mum writing about life in Edinburgh (and anywhere else we go) with two curious, adventurous, and imaginative children. Visit my blog at www.linzertortes.blogspot.co.uk. Follow me on Twitter: @LinzerLaw
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Immerse yourself in the culture of Catalunya
CinemaAttic is presenting the first ever Catalan Film Festival in Scotland. It's in association with Scotland's Catalan Centre, and seeks to showcase the vibrant culture of Catalunya through the art form of cinema.
The Festival brings together masterpieces of Catalan cinema, alongside new talents emerging in the region. The festival will be offering, in five different venues throughout Edinburgh, 9 nights of feature films, documentaries, the best of Catalan short films and a conference by an Edinburgh-based Scottish author. Every film will only be shown once and exact timings can be found through the CinemaAttic website, or through the booking system, Eventbrite.
An image of the programme of the 1st Catalan FIlm Festival Scotland
30th November: Bicycle, spoon, apple (2010) by Charles Bosch Venue: Summer Hall
This documentary focuses on the life of Pasqual Maragall, former Mayor of Barcelona and president of Catalunya, and his struggle to fight Alzheimer's Disease.
16th December: Black bread (2010) by Agustí Villaronga Venue: Cameo Cinema
This critically acclaimed film has won thirteen Gaudi awards, and nine Goya awards, including Best Film, Best Director, and Best Screenplay. It's an atmospheric piece of storytelling set in post-Civil War Catalunya.
And in case you're wondering how the Festival fits in with the desire of some of those living in Catalunya to become independent from Spain, the organisers are very clear that there is absolutely no political agenda in opening up the Festival.
Instead, the aim of Scotland's Catalan Centre is to promote the Catalan language and culture in Scotland, and this Festival contributes to that through sharing Catalan cinema, which the Centre consider to be one of the most important cultural expressions of any society.
So whether you're a regular visitor to Catalunya, or a complete stranger, the films will hold something new and interesting for you.