‘La Koreana,’ a Banner New Talent Title From Spain, Brought to Market at Locarno by Producers Lazona Zinema and Estibaliz Urresola’s Sirimiri (EXCLUSIVE)

The upcoming feature film “La Koreana,” directed by Joana Moya, has generated significant buzz in the industry for its unflinching portrayal of industrialization’s human cost. Backed by producers Lazona Zinema and Sirimiri Films, this project excavates not only the Basque region’s physical landscape but also its collective memory.

“La Koreana” features a non-linear narrative structure, weaving together three distinct timelines: 1890, 1960, and an unspecified present. This approach allows Moya to explore complex relationships between miners, their environment, and the legacy of exploitation that has shaped this region. By using a single mountain as a unifying thread, Moya creates a cinematic portrait that is both deeply personal and broadly resonant.

The film’s central theme – what remains in a place after it has been exploited to its limits? – serves as a poignant reminder of human endeavor’s transience. In 1890, the miners are oblivious to the consequences of their labor, creating an eerie sense of being trapped in time. Manuela’s arrival in 1960 signals a new era of transformation that will ultimately prove devastating.

Estibaliz Urresola’s endorsement of “La Koreana” is a testament to the film’s power to capture the essence of this region and its people. As founder of Sirimiri Films, she has championed projects like “20,000 Species of Bees,” which explored similar themes of place and identity.

The collaboration between Lazona Zinema and Sirimiri Films represents a significant development in the production landscape. By supporting emerging voices like Joana Moya, these producers are helping to create a new generation of filmmakers who can tackle complex issues with nuance and sensitivity.

“La Koreana” is set to premiere at the Locarno Festival’s Match Me!, where it will likely generate interest in Basque cinema and potentially inspire similar projects across other regions. As this project takes center stage, its impact on the global film community remains uncertain. Will “La Koreana” spark a new wave of interest in regional cinema or serve as a catalyst for exploring industrialization’s aftermath? Whatever the outcome, it has already proven itself to be a work of significant import.

The film’s release will undoubtedly prompt audiences to reexamine their relationship with the natural world and consider the human cost of progress. As we await its premiere, one thing is certain: “La Koreana” has the potential to spark a profound dialogue about industrialization’s legacy and its enduring impact on our collective memory.