The Aula de Cine at the Universidad de Zaragoza is set to explore the cinematic influences that have inspired Aragonese director Paula Ortiz as it opens its new season. The Faculty of Business and Public Management at the Huesca campus will host five film screenings, each linked to Ortiz's notable works, including her acclaimed film 'La novia'.
From 21 October to 9 November, screenings will occur every Monday and Wednesday at 19:00. Additionally, the same film series will be available at the Paraninfo building on the Zaragoza campus on 19 and 26 October, as well as 9, 16, and 23 November, also at 19:00.
The first film in the series is 'Three Colours: Blue', a 1993 work by Krzysztof Kieślowski, which notably influenced Ortiz's 2011 film 'De tu ventana a la mía'. 'Blue' is the first part of the 'Three Colours' trilogy, which explores themes related to the ideals of the French Revolution and is followed by 'Three Colours: White' and 'Three Colours: Red'.
Other films included in the programme are 'Days of Heaven' by Terrence Malick, 'Brief Encounter' by David Lean, 'Ida' by Pawel Pawlikowski, and 'The Piano' by Jane Campion.
Paula Ortiz has strong ties to the Universidad de Zaragoza, where she earned a degree in Hispanic Philology and a doctorate in Art History, and has also taught. She furthered her film education at universities in New York and Los Angeles. Ortiz made her feature film debut with 'De tu ventana a la mía', which won the Pilar Miró Award at the Seminci and garnered a Goya nomination for Best New Director. Her poetic style was solidified with 'La novia', an adaptation of Lorca that received twelve Goya nominations. Her recent works include 'Al otro lado del río y entre los árboles' (2022), 'Teresa' (2023), and 'La virgen roja' (2024).
In relation to 'La novia', the film 'Days of Heaven' serves as a reference, depicting a contemporary western set in 1916 against a backdrop of class struggle and a love triangle. 'Al otro lado del río y entre los árboles' connects with 'Brief Encounter', a 1945 romantic drama by David Lean, which is noted for its restraint and lack of melodrama. The film 'Ida', a profound exploration of faith by Pawel Pawlikowski, is linked to Ortiz's 'Teresa', while 'The Piano' by Jane Campion is associated with 'La virgen roja'.
The film series is coordinated by Ana Asión, a professor of Film History at the university, with support from the Vice-Rectorate of Culture and Heritage and the Huesca campus. Concurrently, an exhibition titled 'Paula Ortiz. Int. night / Ext. Day' is being held at the Paraninfo in Zaragoza, showcasing Ortiz's creative process. The exhibition runs until 9 January, open Monday to Saturday from 11:00 to 14:00 and 17:00 to 21:00. Alberto Castán, a professor at the university and director of its Cultural Area, is curating the exhibition, which is accompanied by a book published by Prensas Universitarias.
