Spanish Cinema Day

The fourth edition of Spanish Cinema Day, celebrated on October 6th, marks the consolidation of a commemoration aimed at raising awareness of the importance of Spanish film heritage as an essential part of contemporary culture.

For the first time, the film selected to commemorate this day is directed by a woman. It is *7 mesas (de billar francés)*, the fifth fiction feature film by Gracia Querejeta, a filmmaker belonging to a family of primary reference in Spanish cinema.

This family melodrama brings together all the elements of the concern for human relationships that Spanish cinema has maintained throughout its history. With a stellar cast led by actresses Maribel Verdú and Blanca Portillo, the story of solidarity and overcoming adversity proposed by the film highlights the ability of women to reinvent themselves in times of crisis.

The setting in the neighborhood life turns the billiard tables that title this film into an icon symbolizing a world resistant to the challenges of the fluid life we seem to live today. The struggle to rescue and revive these communal spaces results in a wonderful ode to the preeminence of public space and its invaluable value to citizens.

The film had a notable national and international journey: in addition to its presence at various festivals, actresses Maribel Verdú and Amparo Baró were awarded the Goya Awards for Best Lead Actress and Best Supporting Actress, respectively.

*7 mesas (de billar francés)*, produced and released in the 21st century, reminds us that heritage continues to be created constantly in the cinematic sphere, where production remains a significant reference in the lives of viewers.

Synopsis: Ángela and her son Guille travel to the big city due to the sudden illness of Leo, her father and the boy’s grandfather. When they arrive, Leo has just passed away. Charo, the deceased's lover, informs Ángela about the ruin of the family business: a venue where seven French billiard tables are lined up. For Charo, the only solution to the debt is to sell. Shortly after, Ángela receives news that her husband has disappeared under mysterious circumstances. From this painful reality, Ángela becomes determined to move forward and rebuild her life. Her first decision is to use her savings to get the old venue with the seven tables back up and running.