Rome, May 5 – The Eternal City is once again ready to embrace the vibrant world of Ibero-American cinema with the return of ‘La Nueva Ola’ – the Spanish and Latin American Film Festival. From May 6 to 10, the 19th edition of this significant cultural event will captivate audiences at two iconic Roman venues: Cinema Barberini and Cinema Troisi.
A Landmark Event for Ibero-American Cinema in Italy
As a crucial bridge between Italian and Spanish culture, ‘El Itagnol’ has consistently highlighted film festivals that celebrate Spanish-language cinema in Italy. ‘La Nueva Ola’ stands as a benchmark for contemporary Ibero-American films and timeless classics, offering a unique opportunity for Italian audiences to delve into the rich cinematic traditions of Spain and Latin America.
Festival Structure and Competitive Sections
The festival’s program is meticulously curated, featuring two primary competitive sections: ‘La Nueva Ola del cine español’ (The New Wave of Spanish Cinema) and ‘La Nueva Ola latinoamericana’ (The Latin American New Wave). These sections are dedicated to showcasing works previously unreleased in Italy, with films vying for the prestigious Urban Vision Group Award.
In addition to the competitive categories, the festival offers several non-competitive sections:
- Perlas: Featuring the most significant and acclaimed titles of the current season.
- Clásicos: A heartfelt tribute to the cinematic masterpieces of the past.
- Cortos: Dedicated to emerging talents in the short film format.
Themes of Identity, Memory, and Resistance
This year’s edition of ‘La Nueva Ola’ is centered around profound themes of identity, memory, and resistance. Through a diverse selection of auteur films, the festival aims to explore the multifaceted transformations of the contemporary world, offering unique perspectives and narratives that resonate with global audiences.
Special Guests and Anniversaries
Among the most anticipated events is an exclusive encounter with renowned Spanish filmmaker Julio Medem, celebrating the 25th anniversary of his iconic film, ‘Lucía y el sexo’ (Sex and Lucía). This special session will provide an in-depth look at the film’s enduring impact and Medem’s distinguished career.
The festival will also pay homage to the 50th anniversary of the classic film ‘¿Quién puede matar a un niño?’ (Who Can Kill a Child?), a seminal work that continues to provoke thought and discussion.
Furthermore, a dedicated focus will be placed on the acclaimed illustrator Rocío Quillahuaman, whose unique artistic vision has garnered international recognition.
Organizers and Venues
The 19th edition of ‘La Nueva Ola’ is organized by ‘El Itagnol,’ an Italian-Spanish newspaper dedicated to culture and current affairs, with its headquarters in Spain. The festival will be held at two prominent cinematic locations in Rome:
- Cinema Barberini: A historic and well-regarded cinema known for hosting major film events.
- Cinema Troisi: A vibrant cultural hub that frequently features independent and international cinema.
The festival promises to be a rich and engaging experience for film enthusiasts, offering a comprehensive overview of the latest trends and enduring legacies in Spanish and Latin American cinema. It reinforces Rome’s position as a significant international cultural capital and a welcoming host for diverse artistic expressions.
Source: https://www.itagnol.com/2026/05/roma-dal-6-al-10-maggio-torna-la-nueva-ola-e-la-grande-festa-del-cinema-spagnolo-e-latinoamericano/
