From acclaimed director Carlos Iglesias comes “Ispansi” (Spanish people), a new film telling the stories of the “war children” who fled from Spain at the end of the Civil War.

Director, Mr Iglesias

The roles of these orphans are all played by young Spanish people, students from the classes of Spanish language and culture in Neuchâtel, Jura and Berna – an original and fruitful addition to an already stellar film.

Carlos Iglesias hit fame through the highly regarded “1 Franco, 14 Pesetas“.  Both actor and director, this first film was somewhat autobiographical, the second film tells the story of many – those children who had to run from Spain after seeing their parents killed in the Civil War .  So important is this story to the director, he has travelled as far as Switzerland to tell the tale!  With days starting in  the freezing cold air at 7a,, it really is dedication to the cause!  Especially when one bears in mind that they are to have spent six weeks filming in the freezing region of Jura, resting only Sundays and working with over 30 children.

What makes the film especially interesting is that two of its stars, Adriana and Esteban Fernández, are the children of a teacher who’s here with a Mester group!  Mari Carmen Barigiela is a Spanish teacher in Switzterland, here with a group to learn Spanish in Salamanca.  Indeed, she must be so proud of her children – the film’s set to be a great success!

Film is important here at Mester.  As a part of our weekly activity programme, we organise film nights – a chance to learn about the culture of Spain in a fun way, to meet and interact with fellow pupils and to make the most of you language learning holiday.