¡Ay, Carmela!

Instituto Cervantes in Manchester organises "Cinema Days: learn Spanish with cinema", a series of study sessions for students of Spanish and film lovers with the teacher Ana Valbuena, with whom those attending will be able to learn and enjoy the best films in Spanish.

Following an introduction in accessible Spanish and a full screening of ¡Ay, Carmela! (Carlos Saura, 1990), with English subtitles, attendees will be able to practise their Spanish language skills using a specially designed study pack on film's main topics.

A conversational level in Spanish is recommended.

Synopsis

Paulino and Carmela are husband and wife, troubadours touring the countryside during the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939). They are Republicans, and with their mute assistant, Gustavete, they journey into rebel territory by mistake. They are arrested, fear a firing squad, and receive a reprieve from an Italian Fascist commander who loves the theatre. He arranges a performance for his troops, bargaining with Paulino to stage a burlesque of the republic in exchange for the actors' freedom. Will the fiery and patriotic Carmela consent?