LA BOLA NEGRA

A stunning cinematic experience, La Bola Negra traces three generations of gay men across nearly a century of Spanish history. In 1932, Carlos is voted out of his father's elite social club over whispers about his sexuality. Five years later, amid the Spanish Civil War, Sebastián, drafted into Franco's army, becomes drawn to Rafael, a captured enemy soldier he's assigned to guard. Decades after the dictatorship ends, in 2017, historian Alberto untangles a family secret tied to a strange inheritance from his estranged grandfather. Featuring Penélope Cruz and Glenn Close alongside an impressive acting debut from actor/songwriter Guitarricadelafuente, the three storylines build toward an emotionally sweeping finale, shadowed throughout by the memory of poet Federico García Lorca, executed by fascists in 1936. Directors Javier Calvo and Javier Ambrossi won Best Director at Cannes for the film, which also took the People's Choice Award at the Toronto International Film Festival, a prize that often foreshadows Oscar recognition. La Bola Negra is Spain's submission to the Oscars for Best International Feature. Presentation of International Sportlight Award and Q&A with actor/songwriter Guitarricadelafuente following the screening.