For the first time since the Palme d'Or was created in 1955, three Spanish films will compete in Cannes Film Festival's official section. They are Amarga Navidad by Pedro Almodóvar, El ser querido by Rodrigo Sorogoyen, and La bola negra by Javier Calvo and Javier Ambrossi (Los Javis). Thierry Frémaux, the festival's general delegate, made the announcement.
Thierry Frémaux, Cannes Film Festival's general delegate, unveiled the official competition lineup during his traditional presentation. "One can observe that, despite the difficulties, there is some movement in Spanish cinema," Frémaux remarked, adding: "It is clear that, despite everything, Spain produces formidable artists".
Amarga Navidad marks Pedro Almodóvar's seventh entry in the competition, following films like Todo sobre mi madre and Dolor y gloria. El ser querido is Rodrigo Sorogoyen's debut in the main section after As bestas in Premieres. La bola negra is Los Javis' second feature, a triptych on queer heritage inspired by Lorca, starring Penélope Cruz and Glenn Close.
"It is above all great news for Spanish cinema," Almodóvar stated from Paris. "I don't think three Spanish films have ever been selected in the same Cannes edition before." Sorogoyen said: "Excited, but now calm." Los Javis recalled their emotional reaction upon learning the news a day before the announcement.
This milestone aligns with Spanish cinema's box-office success, holding a 31% market share. The festival will open on May 12 with Pierre Salvadori's La Vénus électrique.
