March 13th, 2026 - Oscar-Nominated Director Questions How “Spanish” His Film Really Is

Late one evening at a karaoke bar in northern Spain, two of the country’s most prominent film directors found themselves in a spirited disagreement. Oliver Laxe, whose latest film has been nominated for an Academy Award for Best International Feature, confronted fellow director Rodrigo Sorogoyen after hearing that Sorogoyen had criticized his movie during a private dinner.

Sorogoyen didn’t deny it. He told Laxe directly that he wasn’t impressed with Sirat, Laxe’s ambitious film about a father and son journeying through the Moroccan desert while surrounded by a chaotic rave culture. Sorogoyen argued that the film lacked emotional depth and criticized what he saw as technical mistakes in a key scene. Laxe dismissed the criticism as misguided and jokingly teased Sorogoyen, telling him he wasn’t a “real director.” Sorogoyen responded with humor, saying he was confident enough not to be shaken by the jab.

Despite the heated exchange, both filmmakers later described the moment as a friendly disagreement between artists with very different approaches to cinema. Laxe is known for creating deeply atmospheric, almost spiritual films that focus on sensory experiences and philosophical themes. Sorogoyen, by contrast, is recognized for grounded storytelling that emphasizes realism and human drama.

Their clash highlights a broader trend in Spanish filmmaking. Industry observers say Spain’s film scene has become more diverse and dynamic than at any point in decades. After the fall of dictator Francisco Franco in 1975, Spanish cinema spent years grappling with the country’s political transformation and cultural identity.

In recent years, however, filmmakers have gained greater freedom to experiment with different styles and subjects. Increased funding, international co-productions, and the rise of global streaming platforms have helped bring new voices and perspectives into the industry. Critics say these developments have allowed Spanish cinema to move beyond the historical themes that once dominated it.

Directors like Carla Simón, Albert Serra, and Alauda Ruiz de Azúa are part of a new generation reshaping Spanish filmmaking. Their work spans a wide range of genres and artistic approaches, reflecting a film industry that is becoming more confident, more experimental, and more globally influential.

Even with their differences, both Laxe and Sorogoyen agree that the creative tension between filmmakers is healthy. Rather than seeing disagreement as a problem, they view it as proof that Spanish cinema is thriving, a sign of a vibrant artistic ecosystem where many styles and voices can coexist.

Word of the Day (Merriam-Webster) - Immure (verb, ih-MYOOR) - To immure something is to enclose it within or as if within walls. Immure is also sometimes used synonymously with imprison.

Example: Scientists at the research station in Antarctica are immured by the frozen wild that surrounds them.

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