The 23rd mostra de cinema espiritual de Catalunya has officially launched, showcasing a diverse programme of 155 screenings across 75 venues in 43 municipalities until 30 November. Organised by the Directorate General of Religious Affairs within the Department of Justice and Democratic Quality, the initiative seeks to engage audiences with various expressions of spirituality through film, fostering interreligious dialogue, reflection, and social cohesion.
Thematic focus for this year
This year's programme is structured around three main thematic blocks: Discernment and choice, which focuses on life-changing decisions; The perspective of victims, dedicated to individuals affected by war, violence, and exclusion; and Towards wisdom, exploring experiences of human and spiritual growth. Notable films include Los domingos, Rondallas, Vermiglio, Sirāt, Jean Valjean, Sawt al-Hind Rajab (The voice of Hind), The King of Kings (Rey de Reyes), and Arizmendiarrieta, el milagro de Mondragón.
Highlighting Catalan productions
The mostra features a significant number of Catalan productions, including Natura Sagrada, a series by Joan Salicrú focusing on spirituality, territory, and natural heritage; Hospital de campanya by Jordi Roigé, which highlights the solidarity efforts of the Santa Anna parish in Barcelona; and Abu Bakr de Tortosa. 900 años de su muerte. Nadie es profeta en su tierra by Pedro Burruezo and Francesc Esteva. Other selections include L’última cinta desde Bòsnia by Albert Solé, addressing the Srebrenica massacre, and Protestants, la historia silenciada by David Casals, Sergi Martí, and Júlia Solé, which chronicles the history of Catalan evangelical communities during Franco's repression.
Complementary activities and discussions
The mostra will also feature various parallel activities to extend the discussions beyond the cinema. On 14 November, the Teatre Casino Llagosterenc hosted a screening of Abu Bakr de Tortosa, followed by a concert by Pedro Burruezo. On 21 November, a round table discussion will take place in Terrassa after the screening of Los domingos. Finally, on 28 November, Barcelona will host a debate on the history of Protestantism during Franco's regime following the showing of Protestants, la historia silenciada.
Filmoteca pays tribute to Roberto Rossellini
The Filmoteca de Catalunya will dedicate a comprehensive cycle to Roberto Rossellini, a key figure in Italian neorealism. The retrospective will include essential titles such as Roma, città aperta, Germania, anno zero, and Stromboli, terra di Dio. Additionally, the mostra will expand its reach through the FilminCAT platform, offering 39 titles from the programme. It will also maintain collaborations with penitentiary institutions and youth justice centres, screening the film Scrapper to reinforce the initiative's social and educational mission.
The official inauguration took place on 15 November at the Cinemas Verdi in Barcelona, featuring the premiere of Meditar, a documentary by Sara G. Cortijo about the experience of Amigos del Desierto, a network of meditators founded by Pablo d’Ors. The event was attended by Maite Casado, the Secretary General of the Department of Justice and Democratic Quality. The mostra will conclude on 30 November at the Auditorium of the Blanquerna Faculty of Communication and International Relations with the premiere of two episodes from the new season of The Chosen, a production that offers insights into the life of Jesus through the experiences of those around him.
