London’s Spanish Film celebration
- Posted by Amy Bell
- On June 1, 2025
Jeanette Novas in O Corno
This year’s London Spanish Film Festival is taking place on September 18-25. Our arts editor Laura Obiols met Joana Granero, the founder of the festival, ahead of last year’s festival in autumn.
The London Spanish Film Festival that happens every autumn, for 8-10 days, and brings Spanish films to London, with screenings taking place at the iconic Cinè Lumière in South Kensington, and the vibrant Riverside Studios in Hammersmith.
Meeting Joana Granero, the founder behind it all, is a true pleasure & a big inspiration on how to make things possible. Her warmth and energy mirror the spirit of her project. We spoke on day 7 during the 20th edition of the festival last year.
“I have always been a cinephile, and many years ago, I realised just how difficult it was to find Spanish films in London,” she explains, “you might catch a glimpse of a few works by prominent directors—Almodóvar, Amenábar, Medem—if they were nominated for Best Foreign Film at Raindance or the London Film Festival, but outside of that, the chances were slim—maybe three to six films a year, if you were incredibly lucky.” Joana pauses. “London is a vibrant city, teeming with a rich cultural landscape, and there were film festivals showcasing works from countries like Armenia, Italy, and France… so I thought, why not Spain?”
With a sparkle in her eyes, she recalls how she set the wheels in motion to make everything happen. “I noticed that Cinè Lumière was screening quite a lot of European films, so I decided to knock on their door and see what would happen. I shared ideas with them, and as we talked, I was nervous… —I’d even prepared a detailed PowerPoint presentation—but they didn’t need to see it; they were on board immediately. They’ve been with us for twenty years now, and it has been such an extraordinary adventure,” Joana shares with gratitude and excitement.
“Instituto Cervantes also joined, and soon the Spanish Embassy and some sponsors. Suddenly, The London Spanish Film Festival was up and running. It has not been easy, and still isn’t. Beyond securing venues and ensuring technical quality, we sift through hundreds of submissions to curate a diverse and compelling lineup. Attracting sponsors and securing funding are also major hurdles, but still, it is so rewarding for those like me and our team, and those who are passionate about cinema and fill the screening rooms.”, the founder conveys.
She emphasises the significance of film festivals, highlighting how they provide audiences with the rare chance to experience films that may never be released elsewhere. These festivals often showcase unique subjects and give insight into different cultures, like the London Spanish Film Festival, where invited films are discussed in depth by the filmmakers themselves. For many, these festivals represent the only opportunity to see such distinctive and compelling works.
Since the pandemic, audience numbers have been lower, reflecting a broader trend of declining cinema attendance. “The way people watch films has shifted significantly, with streaming becoming incredibly popular and accessible. Audiences have grown accustomed to enjoying films at home, without the need to leave their homes or take the tube. However, there’s a growing desire to return to the cinema—to sit in a darkened room, immerse yourself in a film on the big screen, and share the experience with strangers. Attendance numbers are picking up as people reconnect with that unique communal experience,” she outlines.
“The festival’s main objective is to showcase recent Spanish films, providing a platform for what has been made in Spain today. Additionally, we use this opportunity to screen films from the archives, honouring the influence of filmmakers and reminding audiences of where we’ve come from. It also draws a diverse audience, with roughly one-third Spanish-speaking, one-third foreigners, and one- third British. Since Brexit, this demographic mix has shifted. We show films in multiple languages, including Catalan, Euskera, and Galician, ensuring a rich, multicultural experience for all attendees,” Joana adds.
The jury is tasked with selecting the overall best film, often with special mentions, focusing on feature films (no documentaries or shorts). They choose the winning film from the lineup, and the jury members are always from the film industry in London, but not Spanish.
“I would like to mention a movie from our archives that is a must see, El Mundo Sigue by Fernando Fernán Gómez. As for filmmakers, Celia Rico Clavellino, the director of Little Loves (Los pequeños amores), has created a small gem. The actress Jeanette Novas is someone to watch. A dancer and photographer, Novas’s performance in O corno is truly remarkable—her embodiment of the character is priceless. Additionally, On the Go (Maria Gisele Royo and Julia de Castro) is a feast of creativity— crazy, surprising, unexpected, and fun, and definitely two creatives to keep an eye on,” she highlights.
“We were thrilled with the turnout in the 20th edition of the festival. The audience deeply appreciated the opportunity to engage with the creators. Films like Artificial Justice by Simón Casal, Little Love, and The Teacher Who Promised the Sea by Patricia Font were really well- received. Many women directors have made a significant impact, including Clara Bilbao, who, after winning several Goya Awards and dedicating over 30 years to the industry as a costume designer, she ventured into directing with her first film, Tratamos Demasiado Bien a Las Mujeres. We were thrilled to all these creators in London, discussing their work with the audience. We take great pride in bringing film casts and crews from Spain to the UK for Q&A sessions after screenings—these interactions provide invaluable insights and are incredibly enriching for our audience,” Joana adds.
“On a personal note, I feel very fortunate to experience these every year. A particularly special moment that was very emotional was with Jorge Coira, the director of 18 Comidas. As people left the screening, they expressed their gratitude in Galician, Spanish, and English. It was amazing, to hear the same message in all languages, see how touched the audience was, their appreciation meant a lot to us,” she explains.
Organising the festival takes a great deal of effort, and it comes with significant costs. Securing funding is always a challenge, whether from public institutions or private sponsors. During the fundraising phase, the London Spanish Film Festival emphasizes the event as a platform for showcasing Spanish culture. A well-established event for more than 20 years, offering a window into the rich cultural wealth of Spain, something which is very necessary.
Speaking with Joana about the delicate art of curating each year’s selection, it’s clear that their approach is one of constant attentiveness—always watching, always listening for the next wave of extraordinary films. In this sense, the work of Programmer Patricia Pérez Álvarez is priceless. This is a big team effort. Their radar is always on, attuned to the pulse of cinema. Collaborating with sales agents and institutions that share their discoveries, they receive submissions that often bring delightful surprises.
As they approached the 21st edition, there was an exciting new project on the horizon—a stunning photography book to celebrate two decades of the festival, featuring the work of Pau Ros and Pablo Goikotxea. Portraits, moments, and memories captured in timeless images—a fitting tribute to an incredible journey.
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