A city of cinema in Novelda
The ACAN Film and Art Association in Novelda unveiled a short film titled Cinco, directed by Javier Cuenca. The project drew its cast from the region’s own talent pool, underscoring the association’s commitment to local performers. Filming occurred near Novelda and its environs, serving as a focal point for La Romana, and stretched over two demanding days where professional actors mingled with passionate amateurs. Alfredo Navarro, the association president, is a longtime figure in the local arts scene and has earned recognition with a prestigious documentary award. Cinco represents a meaningful milestone in the association’s ongoing journey into audiovisual storytelling.
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The crew behind Cinco included ACAN members who handled script development and direction under Javier Cuenca. The cinematography was led by Alfredo Navarro, with Javier Martínez serving as artistic director. Makeup was provided by Ana Garcia and Irene Motilla, while Hugo Esteve offered the direct voice. Francisco Gabriel Bravo and Zoe Margarita oversaw production, and Elisabeth Ruiz contributed insights into the making of the project. Selma Guirau starred as the lead actress, with Jesús Daniel Castro, Heraclito Davó, and Felipe Giner in supporting roles.
In the story of Cinco, Mara, a young protagonist, attends group therapy during regular Wednesday sessions. The narrative unfolds across the fifth consecutive week of a difficult struggle with eating patterns. What seems routine at first glance gradually reveals deeper tensions. The community at Novelda Culture House plans to premiere the short with a screening on December 21 at 18:30, followed by a colloquium featuring the director and the principal cast to offer context and a forum for discussion.
The director explains that Cinco addresses harassment in a way that questions common assumptions and highlights a struggle many women face in daily life, such as returning home. The production demonstrates how the Novelda Film and Art Association uses its own resources to create cinema and art, offering a window into their worldview through storytelling. The commitment to working with local talent shows a belief in the power of regional voices to contribute to broader conversations in cinema.
Asked about the purpose of the short, the director outlines a clear objective. The team aims to bring the production to provincial and national film festivals to gauge reception and participate in upcoming events. One goal is to see Cinco included in the Alicante film festival program in the near future. The director notes that standing out at a festival can generate strong interest, especially when significant care is invested and local talent is trusted to carry the narrative with authenticity.
The screening and discussion of Cinco will be part of the film programming at the Novelda Film Library. Filmoteca screenings occur on Thursdays and Saturdays and typically showcase a rotating slate of four films per month. Thursdays emphasize art film sessions, while two Saturdays per month focus on children’s programming. All screenings take place in the auditorium of the Novelda Municipal Library building.