The 2025 Manchester Film Weekender will take place from Friday 7th February to Sunday 9th February 2025 at Altrincham Little Theatre.

Over the course of the weekend seven films will be screened. This film festival aims to showcase the multifaceted representations of "journeys" in Spanish cinema.

Some of the films use the motif of journey to explore themes of self-discovery, identity and personal transformation, such as 7 Virgins and 20,000 Species of Bees. Others delve into the idea of metaphorical journeys, a way of escaping from reality (The Sea Inside).

Take My Eyes and Julieta explore the emotional and psychological impact of different types of traumatic experiences. Take My Eyes examines the complexities of a relationship marred by domestic violence. Julieta continues Almodóvar's exploration of motherhood, examining themes of fate, guilt, and the deep mystery that drives us to abandon those we love, erasing them from our lives as if they had never existed.

Journeys can also offer a new beginning and a fresh start in life, as in 7 French billiard Tables.

Each film will be introduced by a speaker to provide context and there will be the chance for informal post-screening discussions where coffee and biscuits are served. There will be lunch breaks on Saturday and Sunday.

The weekend will be led by our guest speaker Dr Carmen Herrero (Reader in Hispanic Studies at Manchester Metropolitan University). Either Carmen, Jessie Gibbs or Ana Valbuena will introduce the films and lead the post-screening discussions.

You can book online now. The full programme costs £35.00.
The theatre will open at 6.00 pm on Friday evening and at 9.30 am on Saturday and Sunday morning.