Spain has chosen “Saturn Return,” directed by Isaki Lacuesta and Pol Rodríguez, as its entry for the Best International Feature Film category at the upcoming 97th Academy Awards. The Spanish Academy made this announcement early this morning, with actor Eduardo Noriega sharing the news.
Set in the vibrant art and cultural scene of Granada during the late 1990s, “Saturn Return” follows an indie band facing significant challenges just as they embark on the creation of a new album. Despite being on the brink of potentially transforming Spain’s music landscape, the group finds itself grappling with a tough period.
The film is produced by a collaboration of several companies including Ikiru Films, La Terraza Films, Áralan Films, and others, with Bteam Pictures handling its distribution in Spain. The screenplay is a joint effort by Lacuesta and Rodríguez, featuring a cast that includes Daniel Ibáñez, Cristalino, Stéphanie Magnin, Mafo, Chesco Ruiz, and Edu Rejón.
“Saturn Return” has garnered acclaim already, winning awards for editing, direction, and best Spanish film at the Malaga Film Festival. It has also made appearances at various international festivals, including Seattle, the Guadalajara International Film Festival, and the Buenos Aires International Festival of Independent Cinema.
Filmmaker Isaki Lacuesta, hailing from Catalonia, has established his reputation with works such as “The Next Skin” and “Between Two Waters,” the latter of which won accolades and was recognized at the Berlin Film Festival. Meanwhile, this marks Rodriguez’s second feature; his debut film “Quatretondeta” won accolades for its cinematography at Malaga.
The Oscar shortlists are set to be unveiled on December 17, leading the way to what could be a significant recognition for Spanish cinema once again.