The Spanish Film Academy has preselected three films for the 2025 Oscars in the Best International Feature category: Marco by Aitor Arregi and Jon Garaño, La estrella azul by Javier Macipe, and Segundo premio by Isaki Lacuesta.
The organisation will announce the final selection on September 18, 2024, with the chosen film competing in the 97th Academy Awards, which will take place on March 3, 2025, in Los Angeles.
Marco: A story of deception
Marco is a compelling drama that tells the true story of Enric Marco. This is a man who fraudulently claimed to be a survivor of a Nazi concentration camp. Directed by Aitor Arregi and Jon Garaño, the film was recently presented at the Venice Film Festival. It features the acclaimed Spanish actor Eduard Fernández in the lead role. Arregi and Garaño are no strangers to success, having previously directed Handia and La trinchera infinita, both highly praised films in Spain.
La estrella azul: A musical journey
La estrella azul, directed by Javier Macipe, explores the life of the lesser-known musician Mauricio Aznar. Set in the 1990s, the film follows Aznar’s journey to rural Argentina in search of creative inspiration. The film has gained a cult following since its debut at the San Sebastián Film Festival. It captures the spirit of an artist on a personal quest for meaning and creative fulfillment.
Segundo premio: Behind the music
Segundo premio, directed by Isaki Lacuesta, focuses on the iconic Spanish band Los Planetas. The film delves into the creation of their third album during a turbulent period for the band. As winner of multiple awards at the Málaga Film Festival, including Best Director and Best Editing, reviewers praised Segundo premio for its unique narrative and ability to blend fact with legend.
These three films showcase a diverse range of stories, from musical legends to historical deception. Whichever film is chosen, Spain will be hoping for another successful run at the Oscars, continuing the legacy of past winners like Mar adentro (2004) and Todo sobre mi madre (1999).
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