Fuente Ovejuna exists
Transcription
Fuente Ovejuna exists
Fuente Ovejuna exists Fuenteovejuna Exists is a documentary film about the life of a remote Spanish village, contrasting the present with historical events that took place more than five hundred years ago and exploring such timeless themes as solidarity, love, honour and politics, country versus city life, the family and the role of women. In the summer of 2004 Odinn Media Productions shot the material for the documentary in the village of Fuente Obejuna, Andalucia. The background of the film is the famous play by Lope de Vega (1562-1635) which was set in the village, recounting the events of 1476 when the villagers rebelled. Fuenteovejuna, possibly the best-known historical play in the Spanish language, was staged in the village last summer, with the villagers themselves as actors. A crew of five film makers documented the production of the play for six weeks from the beginning of rehearsal up to opening night, as well as exploring the present life of the village by following the actors into their daily lives, in their homes and places of work, listening to their reflections on present issues and the themes of the play. These people, the present inhabitants of Fuente Obejuna, share their everyday lives with the viewer - their concerns, hopes and ambitions - between rehearsals where they strive to re-enact the horrific events in their town square long ago. To the world it is a legend. To the villagers it is home. A Documentary Film Duration: 54 minutes Director: Helgi Sverrisson Production Company: Odinn Media Producer: Örnólfur Árnason Primary Format: D9 4:4:2 Digital Video Secondary Cameras: DV Pro Stock Footage: 35 mm film The play Fuenteovejuna by Lope de Vega is staged from time to time in its historical surroundings, in this case by the townspeople themselves Love and the interaction of the sexes. This is a prominent theme in the play and allows Lope de Vega to emphasise both the human dignity of the villagers and the evil character of the Commander who rules them. The documentary uses this to explore the lives of the young people in the village, to probe for their opinions, their ideas on life and their hopes for the future. Life in the country versus city life. This is one of the main themes of the play and Lope de Vega does not hesitate to recommend life in the country as being far more noble and wholesome than the life that cities breed. The question is of course even more relevant today and is certainly one that is hotly debated in every village and country town. Why do the villagers choose to live in the country? How do they see the tension between the countryside and the city? What are the advantages and disadvantages of living in the village? History comes to life in the narrow streets and squares of Fuente Obejuna Honour and politics. Solidarity is a major theme in the play, how people unite against injustice and oppression. How do he villagers see themselves today? Has the play and the story it tells affected their self-image in some way? What are the main political issues facing the village today and how do people think they should be engaged? How do they relate to larger political authority, i.e. Madrid or Brussels? How would they like to see their village change? Family and the role of women. Lope de Vega is famous for his “modern” portrayal of his women as active and independent; in fact, it is the women who instigate and lead the revolt. The film explores the world of today’s women in Fuente Obejuna and their views on gender roles, equal rights and family issues. Here, perhaps most importantly, they voice their opinion of the play and its message. What does it mean for them to regularly stage this play in the village? Do the men understand to play the same way as the women do? Do the women see the heroines of the play as role models for themselves? Fuenteovejuna Exists is a documentary film for television and the educational media market worldwide. It is produced by Icelandic and Spanish film makers with financial support from public and private sources in Spain and Iceland. Örnólfur Árnason Klapparstíg 25-27 517 2330 & 691 2330 [email protected]