The Amsterdam Spanish Film Festival has celebrated its 9th edition from the 24th until the 26th of November 2023.
For three days we celebrated Spanish cinema, culture, music and gastronomy. The festival started with the Dutch premiere of the movie Modelo 77, with the lead actor Miguel Herrán attending for a Q & A. For the rest of the weekend, ASFF screened 8 movies in 3 different venues over Amsterdam, including also a retrospective on Carlos Saura, hosting a colloquium after screening the movie Cria Cuervos, in attendance of his wife and daughter.
Even though this edition was shorter than usual, it was a vibrant gathering where our audience could reconnect and discuss about film. The short edition left everybody wanting for more, but this was the intention, as this transitional edition marked the way back to our original dates in April.
The Amsterdam Spanish Film Festival 2023 edition has once again affirmed its status as a distinctive and vital part of the Dutch cultural landscape. This year’s festival not only showcased an array of compelling Spanish films but also demonstrated our commitment to deepening cultural connections through cinema.
This edition’s program featured a diverse range of films, highlighting the talents of female directors and focus- ing on contemporary societal issues. Our special tribute to the late Carlos Saura, along with the introduction of program sections such as ASFF Cares LGBTQIA+, enriched the festival’s offering, making it more than just a film exhibition but a platform for dialogue and reflection.
As we look ahead, ASFF is poised for further growth and professionalization. Our commitment to staying attuned to relevant topics ensures the ongoing development of the festival. With the pandemic receding into the back- ground, the shift back to our traditional April dates in 2024 is anticipated to enhance our organizational capabilities and overall festival experience.
In conclusion, the ASFF 2023 edition has been a testament to our resilience and adaptability, proving that even in a transitional phase, the festival continues to be an irreplaceable contributor to the cultural enrichment in the Netherlands. We look forward to sustaining our existing partnerships and forging new ones, as we continue to pro- vide spaces for discussion, learning, and appreciation of Spanish cinema.