Locarno – August 1, 2023: Colectivo Negu’s “Negu Hurbilak” is set to have its world premiere at the 76th Locarno Film Festival.
The film, directed by a group of Catalan and Basque filmmakers, will compete in the Cineasti del Presente section, dedicated to showcasing emerging talents in the film industry. “Negu Hurbilak” will be distributed by Begin Again Films and stars renowned actress Jone Laspiur, winner of the prestigious Goya Award for Best New Actress in 2021 for her outstanding performance in “Ane.”
“Negu Hurbilak” delves into the emotional and psychological ramifications of conflict and the yearning for identity in the Basque Country. The narrative unfolds in the picturesque town of Zubieta, located in the Navarre region, which also served as the primary filming location. Interestingly, some locals had the unique opportunity to be part of the cast alongside Jone Laspiur, the film’s lead actress.
Colectivo Negu, comprising directors Ekain Albite, Mikel Ibarguren, Nicolau Mallofré, and Adrià Roca, presents an exploration of isolation, longing, and the uncertainties of waiting. “Negu Hurbilak” marks the collective’s first foray into fiction filmmaking, promising a thought-provoking cinematic experience that resonates deeply with audiences.
The film is set in 2011, during a period when the long-standing conflict in the Basque Country appears to be nearing its end. The protagonist, a brave young woman, embarks on a perilous journey, seeking to cross the border (“muga”) in order to escape the dangers and threats that haunt her home. Her path leads her to Zubieta, a border town steeped in ancient folklore and contemporary conflicts. Secluded in an attic, she observes the stillness of everyday life, where time loses its boundaries, and her escape morphs into a labyrinthine odyssey.
The screenplay of “Negu Hurbilak” was crafted by Ekain Albite, Mikel Ibarguren, Nicolau Mallofré, Xalba Ramirez, and Adrià Roca. Production and editing were managed by Ekain Albite and Edu V. Romero, while Javi Seva contributed to the film’s cinematography, complemented by Justina Monserrat’s art direction.
The film enjoys strong support from production companies Maluta* Films (Basque Country) and Cornelius Films (Catalonia), with Ritxi Lizartza and Mikel Mas serving as producers. Additionally, Carlota Darnell and Roos Van den Heuvel assumed the roles of executive producers, and Guille Ortuño contributed as an associate producer.
Ahead of its premiere at the 76th Locarno Film Festival, “Negu Hurbilak” has already garnered recognition through its participation in the industry sections of various esteemed events, including the D’A Film Festival and L’Alternativa in Barcelona, the Festival REC in Tarragona, the Semilleru LAB in Gijón, and the Atlàntida Film Fest in Palma.
Note: “Negu Hurbilak” translates to “Close Winters” in English, a term derived from the Basque language.
