Spanish Film Festival 2025 at SRFTI: Five Days of Cinematic Magic

The city of Kolkata once again became a vibrant hub of world cinema as the Spanish Film Festival 2025 was hosted at the prestigious Satyajit Ray Film & Television Institute (SRFTI) from 18th to 22nd August 2025. The five-day event brought together cinephiles, students, and educators for an immersive journey into the heart of Spanish storytelling.

Organised by SRFTI, Forum for Film Studies and Allied Arts, the Embassy of Spain in India, AECID – Cooperación Española, and Instituto Cervantes, the festival was a cultural bridge between Spain and India, offering a rare chance to experience masterpieces that have shaped global cinema.

The Films That Lit Up the Festival

1. Campeones (2018) – Javier Fesser

The festival opened with this heartwarming comedy-drama about a basketball coach who trains a team of players with intellectual disabilities. Its message of inclusion and teamwork resonated deeply, and Indian audiences were quick to connect it with the recent remake, Sitaare Zameen Par.

2. En los Márgenes (2022) – Juan Diego Botto

A socially charged drama unfolding over 24 hours in Madrid, the film depicted the struggles of people facing evictions and financial hardship. With stellar performances and raw emotion, it offered a powerful reminder of resilience in times of crisis.

3. Mar adentro (2004) – Alejandro Amenábar

One of Spain’s most acclaimed films, Mar adentro told the moving true story of Ramón Sampedro’s fight for dignity and the right to end his life. Winner of the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film, it left audiences reflecting on freedom, compassion, and humanity.

4. El ángel exterminador (1962) – Luis Buñuel

A surrealist classic, Buñuel’s masterpiece baffled and mesmerised viewers with its strange tale of dinner guests mysteriously unable to leave a room. Its biting social commentary and dreamlike atmosphere sparked engaging discussions among students and cinephiles alike.

5. Mi Gran Noche (2015) – Álex de la Iglesia

The festival closed on a lighter, energetic note with this outrageous comedy set during the filming of a chaotic New Year’s Eve TV gala. Packed with humour, music, and absurdity, it was the perfect finale to five evenings of cinematic brilliance.

A Cultural & Educational Experience

For the students and educators of La Casa de los Políglotas, this festival was more than just entertainment—it was an opportunity to:

Experience Spanish culture firsthand through cinema.

Improve language skills by engaging with films in their original version.

Draw connections between Spanish and Indian cinema, culture, and society.

The organisers made it a point to ensure that students attended in official dress with ID, creating an atmosphere of both discipline and celebration.