Two milestones have brought the previously unknown figure of Agustín Gómez Arcos (Almería) back into the spotlight in Spain. The publication of his novels in Spanish, thanks to the efforts of the Cabaret Voltaire publishing house, and Laura Hojman’s recent documentary *Un hombre libre*. A third event, however, will finally secure his place among the ranks of Spain’s most celebrated playwrights, novelists, and poets: the filming of *Ana no*, directed by Paz Vega.
After screening at Locarno, the Seminci in Valladolid, and Mar del Plata with *Rita*, and earning 14 nominations for the Carmen Awards and a Goya nomination for Best First-Time Director, the actress and director has been filming the beautiful 1977 novel since October 16.
Filming, in 35 mm, began in Seville and will continue at locations throughout the Community of Madrid and Sardinia (Italy) until the end of the year. Vega is committed to the organic grain, the nuances of color, and the response to light characteristic of celluloid—an aesthetic that ties in with classic cinema.
A novel about postwar memory
The film is an adaptation of *Ana no*, a novel by Agustín Gómez Arcos, one of the 20th century’s most internationally renowned Andalusian authors who, nevertheless, enjoyed no fame whatsoever in his own country. Until now.
His poetry—poetic and deeply personal—explores repression, historical memory, and identity in a Spain scarred by war. This marks the first time one of his works has been adapted for the big screen.
The story begins in 1968. Ana Paucha, an elderly widow, leaves her native Almería to reunite with her only surviving son, who has been imprisoned in Basauri for more than thirty years. With no money or resources, she sets out on foot with a loaf of olive oil bread—her son’s favorite—as her only luggage. The journey becomes a journey into memory, dignity, and self-discovery.
Ángela Molina as Ana Paucha
Ángela Molina stars in the film and plays Ana Paucha. The actress was Luis Buñuel’s muse in *That Obscure Object of Desire* and has worked with directors such as Ridley Scott and Giuseppe Tornatore.
She is joined by Álvaro Morte, who plays Trinidad, Rossy de Palma, and the Italian actor Alessio Boni.
Vega co-wrote the screenplay with María Delgado and David Pellón. Diego Dussuel serves as director of photography; Ana Álvarez Ossorio is in charge of editing; Gigia Pellegrini handles art direction; Jorge Marín is responsible for sound; and Marta Rodríguez designs the costumes. Yolanda Piña and Félix Terrero oversee makeup and hairstyling.
*Ana no* is a Spanish-Italian co-production by Áralan Films (Marta Velasco), Blacklight Films (Paul Mateos Verdejo), and the Italian company Ombre Rosse Film Production (Andrea Di Blasio), with Sandra Rodríguez serving as executive producer.
