Spanish cinema has long faced a difficult truth: abuse and harassment exist within its halls. A sharp joke by comedian Julián López at the 2018 Feroz awards touched a sore spot, hinting at how entrenched problematic behavior can feel. A New York Times report from a year earlier had already brought the issue into sharp focus, and #MeToo had disrupted Hollywood power dynamics in 2017 and beyond. The case against Harvey Weinstein, culminating in a 23-year prison sentence for sexual assault and rape in 2020, highlighted a landmark shift in accountability. Some women who spoke up, including Asia Argento, framed their participation in the movement as part of a major feminist turning point. Yet the movement’s momentum did not translate uniformly across all countries, and Spain appeared slower to respond. The industry press, including El Periódico of the Prensa Ibérica group, questioned why the call for change did not resonate more broadly within Spanish cinema, noting a preference for discussing the topic with those affected rather than with them directly.
Maribel Verdú and Leticia Dolera helped defy silence by raising their voices when abuses occurred. Aitana Sánchez-Gijón recalled fleeing a hotel room after a foreign manager arranged a testing opportunity. Carla Hidalgo described fleeing a stalker who threatened her career if she resisted his advances. The arrest of producer Javier Pérez Santana as a suspected sexual predator at last year’s Feroz ceremony and the Vermouth case reported by El País underscored that harassment and violence are part of the audiovisual industry in Spain as well.
There are predators in Spanish cinema. Everyone knows this. Yet a large Me Too movement in Spain, mirroring the United States, seems unlikely because the industry is relatively small and interconnected.
Some prominent producers and directors chose to decline comment on Me Too in Spain. Figures like Roberto Enríquez, Bob Pop, and the creator of the Maricón Perdido series assert they feel free to discuss the issue because they are not deeply embedded in the inner workings of the industry. They acknowledge that predators and abusers exist in Spanish cinema, but warn against hoping for a massive movement akin to the US, arguing that the sector is fragile and tightly knit. There is a sense that addressing the problem would threaten various career avenues, a fear that must be overcome if meaningful change is to take place.
Pay the rent or demand justice
The author challenges male colleagues directly, urging a collective shift. The message is clear: feminism must be backed by action, and those in power must confront unacceptable behavior. The first step is recognizing abuse, which requires early education about consent and healthy boundaries. The second step is ensuring the public learns about these issues.
Vermouth and Ravelo cases bring Spanish MeToo to light as new harassment complaints surface in cinema
Facing economic pressures, some in the industry admit heroism is a difficult call. The reality is stark: a large portion of performers face modest earnings, with recent figures indicating many actors earn well below a living wage. This financial strain weighs heavily on the ability to speak out and pursue justice. Yet the call to take the problem seriously remains loud and persistent, urging urgent action to protect professionals across the field.
Our profession must address this issue with commitment
Director Montxo Armendáriz has long spoken about the darker side of abuse and continues to advocate for victims. He emphasizes unwavering support for those who report abuse and calls for serious, preventive measures within the industry. The aim is to create a climate where addressing wrongdoing is part of the norm rather than a rare exception.
Silence
Some leaders prefer not to speak publicly, fearing consequences or backlash. Critics note that the MeToo movement in Spain has not reached the same momentum as in the United States. A conservative social climate and a lingering fear of retaliation contribute to a spiral of silence, according to Judith Colell, a director and leader in the Catalan Cinema Academy. She argues that the industry remains unstable and disproportionately harms women, making open discussion crucial for real change. The academy has since established anti-abuse protocols and a round-the-clock support line for assault victims, signaling a commitment to practical help beyond mere words.
The competition notes also describe how support services extend beyond phone advice, offering psychological and police assistance as needed. The emphasis is on tangible aid and a safety net that can empower survivors to come forward without fear of retaliation.
Clauses in contracts
The Association of Women Filmmakers and Audiovisual Media has pushed for actionable changes, working to draft and implement robust harassment protocols. New contract clauses aim to prevent harassment and protect workers across the industry. Power imbalances are identified as a key factor driving harassment, and the push for clear boundaries reflects a broader movement to safeguard women in Spanish cinema. The association also plans a practical emergency response guide to support filmmakers facing violence or coercion.
We all looked away. This cannot stand. It is time to talk openly and stop whitewashing.
Producer María Zamora reflects on the progress made and the work still ahead. Although many women have emerged as leaders and creators in Spanish cinema, powerful male voices and entrenched attitudes continue to hinder systemic change. The call remains for louder, more persistent advocacy from both men and women to ensure that unacceptable conduct is never tolerated again.
Presumption of innocence
During recent award ceremonies, discussions about the balance between fairness and accountability resurfaced. Critics stress that social discourse can shape perceptions, but legal safeguards must remain within the justice system. The crucial point is that social accountability does not replace formal legal processes; it should complement them by encouraging responsible behavior and supporting victims as they speak out.