Bigas Luna Tribute, Manchester, 28–31 March 2019

Bigas Luna (1946–2013) is among Spain’s most influential filmmakers. In the 1990s, his popular comedy/drama Jamón, jamón, was among the most studied texts in Hispanic Studies courses in the UK. He also famously launched the careers of Hollywood stars such as Javier Bardem and Penélope Cruz.

Over a period of four days and in two different venues, the Bigas Luna Tribute Manchester will include four film screenings, two receptions and an exhibition. The exhibition will remain open for the duration of the festival, until April 13^th. The event will include the ‘Iberian Portraits’ trilogy in full with introductory presentations by Bigas Luna specialists, a cava reception following the screening of Jamón, jamón (1992), the first UK screening of the posthumous documentary BigasxBigas (2017) – including a Q&A with its co-director Santiago Garrido Rúa – and the videoart exhibition ‘Barbaric Comedies‘, inspired by Valle-Inclán.

THURSDAY 28 MARCH 

Instituto Cervantes Manchester (326-330 Deansgate Campfield, Avenue Arcade, Manchester M3 4FN). 

• 6.30 PM: Opening of ‘BarbaricComedies’ video art exhibition with an introduction by co-curator Prof Santiago Fouz Hernández (Durham) and wine reception sponsored by the Instituto Cervantes Manchester.
  NB Exhibition will be open until April 12th Mon-Friday 10AM to 8PM. Free entry.
  Viewer discretion is advised. 
• 7PM: Screening BigasxBigas (2017) – with introduction and Q&A with co-director Santiago Garrido Rúa. Tickets. Trailer.

FRIDAY 29 MARCH  

HOME Manchester (2, Tony Wilson Place, M15 4FN Manchester)

• 7.50 PM: Jamón, jamón (1992), starring Penélope Cruz, Javier Bardem and Jordi Mollà – with introduction by Prof Santiago Fouz Hernández (Durham University).
• Followed by cava reception (first drink is included with film ticket), sponsored by Durham University, ¡Viva! Festival and festival sponsors. Tickets. Trailer.

SATURDAY 30 MARCH  

HOME Manchester (2, Tony Wilson Place, M15 4FN Manchester)

• 5.50 PM: Huevos de oro / Golden Balls (1993), starring Javier Bardem, Maribel Verdú and Benicio del Toro- with introduction by Prof Santiago Fouz Hernández (Durham University).  Tickets. Trailer.

SATURDAY 31 MARCH  

HOME Manchester (2, Tony Wilson Place, M15 4FN Manchester)

• 5.40 PM: La teta y la luna / The Tit and the Moon (1994), starring Mathilda May, Biel Durán and Miguel Poveda- with introduction by Dr Abigail Loxham (University of Liverpool). Tickets. Trailer.
• Followed by discussion about the ‘Iberian Portraits’ trilogy with Dr Loxham and Prof Fouz Hernández.