1) Marshland
One of Spain’s most popular recent releases, the thriller Marshland has been likened to the TV series True Detective as two very different homicide detectives work together to capture a serial killer before he murders more young women. The winner of 10 Goya awards – the Spanish equivalent of the Oscars – is eerie, atmospheric and nail-biting to the very end.
2) Wild Tales
Nominated for the 2015 Academy award for best foreign film, the acclaimed Argentinian feature Wild Tales sees six people on the hunt for revenge. Co-produced by Pedro Almodóvar, this portmanteau film is violent, scary and deliciously funny, and will close the film festival.
3) They Are All Dead
Since her brother’s death, Lupe has hidden herself away from the world. Her superstitious Mexican mother decides to use an elaborate Day of the Dead ritual to conjure up his ghost and set her daughter free. They Are All Dead stars Spanish actress Elena Anaya, recently seen in The Skin I Live In.
4) Mr Kaplan
When he looks back at his life, Jewish retiree Mr Kaplan isn’t convinced he’s made a significant impression. That is until he meets the mysterious German restaurant owner of his sleepy Uruguayan town and becomes convinced he has uncovered a Nazi in hiding. Funny and thought-provoking.
5) Finding Gaston
He’s one of the world’s top chefs, and he’s on a mission to introduce Peruvian cuisine to the world. Finding Gaston’s documentary film follows chef Gastón Acurio as he journeys around Peru to uncover the stories behind his dishes and use the power of food to transform people’s lives.
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The 2015 Spanish film festival runs in Sydney and Melbourne until 10 May, then Canberra, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth, Byron Bay and Hobart
