Como Manolete en la víspera de su muerte
International title: As Manolete on the eve of his death
Director: Álvaro Gómez-Pidal
Production: (currently self-produced)Álvaro Gómez-Pidal
Script: Paula JJ
Production company: (No production company at present)
Duration (estimated): 65-70 Minutes
Genre: Documentary
Budget: 42.000 Euros
Synopsis
A young filmmaker discovers that his great-uncle (Manolo) was killed in Jerusalem by Zionist militias in 1948 on diplomatic service, shattering his prejudices about the Middle East. Invited by Tel-Aviv University to screen a short film, he comes into contact with present-day Israel as he investigates Manolo’s death over the years, befriending international researchers and being present in Jerusalem on 7 October 2023 when the last hostilities break out.
Note of Intent
Having worked on this project for over 9 years, it is the personal experience of trying to understand what led to Manuel’s assassination, the creation of the state of Israel and the Palestinian question. The personal line of the present merges with Manuel’s last days, composing a mosaic that documents and reflects on the mechanisms of transformation of information in historical narrative. On how history can be told and organised, but also ‘constructed’ and ‘fabricated’ by those who tell it.
In this way, some of the events that are still in the shadows, such as the attack on the Semiramis Hotel and its parallels with the current situation, can be brought to light.
My story is just one of many threads that intersect with the conflict and give it a unique perspective that knows how to start from the particular to also speak to something larger and more general.
Director
Álvaro Gómez-Pidal
Filmmaker and visual artist from Madrid, graduated in Cinematography at the ECAM.
He has directed several short film projects at the intersection of documentary and experimental: Azinheira (2021), La Edad Del Movimiento ( 2020), 143, 206, 268 (2019) and Ferrytale, (2019). He combines this with commercial work for artists such as Nathy Peluso and brands such as Geox, Cruzcampo, Mexifoods and Mac Cosmetics. He has also worked as a director of photography, Malditos Arrebatados (WIP) documentary by Marta Medina and produced by Apache Films; or the feature film Deprés de la nit ( WIP) by Paula Pedemonte produced by Vaquera Films.
He received the INPUT 2023 award from the S8 Festival with this project.
He has received awards and exhibited his work at Liquida Photo 2023, Encontros da Imagem Braga 2021, British Journal of Photography 2020 and Open Eyes LOOK Biennal 2019 among others.
Current status of the project
The project has entered the editing phase. The footage we already have available is estimated to be 90% of what is needed to complete the film. There are still small fragments to be shot and archive footage rights to be obtained. Also those fragments that require composition and graphic design in which animated screens of devices (phones, chats, websites…) are reproduced, as well as recording more voice-overs and other elements.
The sound post-production and the soundtrack are also pending. For the latter, there are already musicians involved in the project. We are not looking for a classical soundtrack but something minimalist to accompany the atmosphere of the film.
Needs / Objectives
We are looking for a production company willing to support this project and sign it with us. This is one of the main reasons to apply to laboratories such as SEMILLERU and other calls for proposals. Finding production will also bring us closer to distributors in order to draw up a distribution plan for festivals. We are looking for a varied and external opinion from professionals. As well as the opportunity to receive support to finance sound post-production, the acquisition of stock footage rights or funds for distribution.
A young filmmaker discovers that his great-uncle (Manolo) was killed in Jerusalem by Zionist militias in 1948 on diplomatic service, shattering his prejudices about the Middle East. Invited by Tel-Aviv University to screen a short film, he comes into contact with present-day Israel as he investigates Manolo’s death over the years, befriending international researchers and…
