Catalan cinema reaches the top of the podium at the Malaga Film Festival

Last year it was the Catalan film 'Estiu 1993' (Summer 1993) by the young Barcelona-born filmmaker Carla Simón that ran off with all the prices at many of the international film festivals celebrated throughout the year. This 2018 also looks good for Catalan cinema with this Saturday's triumph at the Malaga Film Festival.

'Les distàncies' (Distances) by Elena Trapé (Barcelona, 1976) won the award for best film, best director and best actress in Malaga. 'Les distàncies', shot in Berlin, tells the story of a group of friends discovering that time and distance can change everything, among them is Olivia, played by Alexandra Jiménez, who was awarded best actress together with Valeria Bertuccelli for 'The Queen of Fear'.

Nevertheless, 'Les distàncies' was not the only Catalan film awarded at this year's Malaga Film Festival. 'Amb el vent' (Facing the wind) by young filmmaker Meritxell Colell received the highest recognition in the Zonazine category, which is dedicated to the most creative projects. In the short film category, 'Improvisaciones de una ardilla' by Barcelona-born Virginia García del Pino won best documentary for her observation of the media phenomenon that occurs around politicians. Best fiction short film went to 'La última virgen' (The last virgin) by Bàrbara Ferré portraying the generation of 2000. 

Catalan cinema participated in more than 35 productions at this 21st edition of the Malaga Film Festival, which closes its doors on Sunday.