A documentary about the reprisals of Francoism in Elda and surrounding towns, and the struggle for historical memory, has announced a release date for next Thursday, June 15. The screening is scheduled from 18:40 to 21:00 and admission is free.
Titled Only People Seeking Freedom, the film is directed by Isabel Ginés, a journalist and documentary filmmaker, along with Carlos Gonga, a documentary filmmaker and photographer. The work examines the repression carried out by the Franco dictatorship in Elda and other communities in Alicante.
After an initial pledge of sponsorship, the Elda Heritage and Historical Memory Department ultimately did not support the project, citing concerns about censorship. The filmmakers instead drew on funding from activists who support democratic memory in Spain and France.
Another setback for historical memory in Elda
The production stalled when the two documentary makers, who focus on historical memory and Francoist repression, refused to remove a promotional poster that included a republic flag in solidarity with democratic values. The victims’ relatives, connected to the project, stood by the inclusion, while some officials argued the design could be misinterpreted as endorsing specific political positions. The piece that accompanies this debate includes historical voices and accounts curated by authors of historical audio-visual material.
Elda City Council declines to sponsor a documentary about Francoist oppression
The council faced controversy over the poster, with the name of the project initially labeled Frontism, a term that drew criticism for evoking memories of civil war era propaganda. A social media post related to the release sparked debate about how the imagery might be perceived, with historians contributing context about Franco’s propaganda methods from the 1960s.
Elda renames 15 Francoist streets in honor of notable women
Following an outreach from the council, the production team faced a request to modify two elements of the poster. A discussion with city heritage officials highlighted safety concerns for those involved in filming. Ginés and Gonga describe the exchange as a clash between documentary honesty and municipal risk management, underscoring the complexity of publicly acknowledging painful local history.
Peter’s memory
The project centers on families impacted by repression, preserving their stories for future generations. The documentary poster and accompanying materials aim to honor those affected and to document the lived experiences of the victims and their relatives.
The project team announced a crowdfunding effort to support the production, raising funds to cover essential costs and ensure the documentary could reach audiences that want to engage with Spain’s democratic memory.
The association behind the project describes itself as a collective that seeks to document and promote the memory of democratic values in Alicante, connecting families with researchers and filmmakers who share a commitment to accurate and respectful storytelling.
families
The families involved have long sought to record the circumstances surrounding the deaths and disappearances of loved ones in order to prevent the repetition of past suffering. The documentary presents personal stories, including memories of relatives who suffered during the repression and grave injustices committed in the postwar period. One man’s father, a CNH militant, was killed in 1942 and his initials were found on a plate kept as a keepsake by family members, symbolizing the struggle to preserve memory amid loss.
He identifies his father from a plate tied around his ankle before the execution
A resident from Eldense heritage recalls the moment of seeing a personal plaque recovered from the grave, a moment that connects the family to a broader history. The documentary preserves these testimonies and contends with the challenge of tracing identity within mass graves and difficult archival material.
The film also explores other families connected to the Alicante cemetery and the broader memory project, describing the ongoing work of researchers, historians, and descendants who seek accountability and recognition for victims of Francoism.
The narrative highlights the resilience of those who advocate for the dignity of the dead and for the democratic memory of the region.
scene
The documentary Only Those Seeking Freedom includes support from regional authorities and organizations devoted to memory, transparency, participation, and democratic quality. The production brings together families who have endured loss with professionals dedicated to documenting the truth and ensuring that memory remains alive for future generations.
DNA of Historical Memory
The premiere is scheduled for Thursday, June 15 at 6:40 pm, with free admission. The event will take place at the Paurides de Elda Foundation, located at 1 Cardenal Cisneros street. The documentary invites the public to participate, alongside the families involved, collaborating professionals, and others committed to a full and accurate recovery of the region’s historical memory.
Descendants of Civil War victims gather to honor their relatives
The scene captures ongoing efforts to give dignified burials to those who were buried in mass graves, a step toward healing and justice.
Francoism in Elda
Elda played a dramatic role during the Civil War era, serving as a strategic location during the final battles and acting as a temporary capital at a critical moment. The town’s history includes a mix of manufacturing shifts and wartime upheaval, with many residents enduring repression in the aftermath. The narrative emphasizes the local experiences of restraint, resistance, and the lasting impact of Francoist rule on families and communities.