Igor Legarreta's 'The Blind Ants' Debuts as a Coastal Western at San Sebastián
Igor Legarreta's latest directorial endeavor, "The Blind Ants" ("Inurri Itsuak"), has made its global debut at the 74th San Sebastián International Film Festival on September 18. This marks Legarreta's third feature film, following "All the Moons" and "When You Stop Loving Me." The movie is a notable entry in the Zinemira section, which highlights Basque productions, and is a contender for the prestigious Irizar Award for Basque Cinema. Spanish audiences can anticipate its release in theaters on October 9, distributed by Buena Vista International Spain.
The film, rooted in Ramiro Pinilla's highly-regarded novel, unfolds in the Basque Country during the 1930s. It chronicles the dramatic events that ensue when an English vessel, laden with coal, runs aground on the shores of Biscay amidst a severe storm. The local populace of Algorta sees an opportunity to salvage the coal for survival during the harsh winter. The Jauregui family, in particular, ventures into the tempestuous conditions to secure some of this vital resource, a decision that irrevocably alters their lives. According to Luis Ferrón, producer at Lazona Zinema, the project's aim was to blend local talent with artistic ambition, creating a Basque-language film with significant international appeal, distributed by Playtime and Buena Vista.
Featuring a talented ensemble, "The Blind Ants" stars Urko Olazábal, recognized for his work in "Maixabel" and "Soy Nevenka"; Itziar Ituño, known for "Money Heist" and "Intimacy"; Josean Bengoetxea from "Balenciaga"; Miren Gaztañaga of "The Last Romantics"; and Carlos Santos, seen in "The Nuclear Bunker." The production is a collaborative effort involving prominent Basque companies such as Lamia Producciones, Lamia Films, Lazona Zinema, Lazona Producciones, Buendía Estudios Bizkaia, Bruja del Norte AIE, and Sideral Cinema, with co-production support from Caviar Antwerp based in Belgium. Legarreta emphasized the challenge of portraying a cohesive family unit, a task successfully met by the cast, many of whom he had not worked with previously. He also highlighted the significant technical and creative hurdles of filming a substantial portion of the story during a stormy night on a cliff, necessitating the construction of an elaborate set to ensure safety and control, a feat where Mikel Serrano's production design truly distinguished itself.
The film's compelling narrative, combined with strong performances and a visually striking setting, promises to captivate audiences. By exploring themes of resilience and the unyielding spirit of a family confronting adversity, "The Blind Ants" not only honors its literary origins but also offers a powerful cinematic experience that celebrates human dignity and the enduring strength found within close-knit communities. The collaborative international production further underscores the universal resonance of this deeply local story.
