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EL47

Opening the 2025 Spanish Film Festival - A short take review
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⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 1/2 (out of 5 stars)

Short Take: The phrase comes from the film industry, originally, and it means a short bit of recording or “something that only takes a short time,” especially if a longer version may be done later.

Short Take review: A short review of a film with potential discussion points

Synopsis: The beauty of world cinema is the opportunity to open the curtain to cultures and times in history that most would never have known until they arrived at the theatre. EL47 tells the story of how the immigrant Extremaduran and Andalusian immigrant communities of Spain yearned to find a home called Torre Baró. As they built their homes on the outskirts of Barcelona, they were not welcomed by the local government and law enforcement. Yet, they thrived despite not having access to basic utilities like water and electricity or proper public transport systems. Until a local bus driver and community leader, Manolo Vital (Eduard Fernández), finds the right motivation to prove that his people deserve these services by commandering the 47 bus line to prove his point.

Review: Director Marcel Barrena’s tale of community perseverance and action embodies all that can be said about the human spirit. He captures the beauty and tragedy of how people make their way in this world that only wants to bring them down. Yet, showing how staying together and fighting for what is right can make a difference for all involved. The entirety of the cast deserves recognition for this multicast performance. Still, Eduard Fernández, Clara Segura, and Zoe Bonafonte optimised the value of family, culture and traditions representing a group of people who have lost everything else. EL47 is a film worth discovering and letting your soul be washed over with the pains and joys of a culture that did all it could to fight for its existence through civil disobedience and taking a ride on a bus.

Find out more about Russ Matthews' latest book: Reel Marriage. Click on link to get your copy

Reel Dialogue: Fighting for your beliefs and community

EL47 wonderfully shows how everyone can fight for their beliefs, families, and community. After seeing the film, download the Third Space discussion guide to start the conversation about fighting for your beliefs.

Third Space Discussion Guide - Fighting for your beliefs

Have you ever thought of starting a movie discussion group?

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