Among the standout documentaries that TV3 has aired in the Sense ficció container, a self-produced piece titled El Jueves stood out this week, leaving a lasting impression. It becomes more than a simple chronicle; it is an exercise in emotional memory for those who have followed the magazine since its inception in 1977, inviting viewers to trace almost five decades of shared life and culture alongside the reporters who shaped it. The film invites reflection on what has changed and what endures, weaving personal stories with a broader social timeline that resonates with long-time readers and new audiences alike.
The documentary traces Thursday’s origins to Barcelona, where it could only take root, grow, mature, and endure. The voices that carry the narrative are in Catalan, featuring two central figures, José Luis Martín and Óscar Nebreda, whose testimonies form the emotional core of the piece. Their words—frank, intimate, and sometimes stark—stand as some of the evening’s most moving moments, underscoring the human dimension behind the publication. The film sketches a portrait of a creative team that endured both challenges and triumphs, including a notable self-reflection about the newsroom in youth and the quiet confidence of retirement. The portrayal of Ivá, in particular, emerges as a remarkable centerpiece, anchored by Ferrán Rañé’s portrayal of the legendary cartoonist and the warmth of his contributions to the magazine’s legacy. The documentary navigates the tension between literary ambition and the practical realities of production, reminding viewers that award recognitions sometimes pale beside the enduring value of memory and character. A nuanced meditation on memory and merit, it invites viewers to weigh how many accolades a piece truly earns relative to its impact on generations of readers and creators. (Citation: TV3, El Jueves documentary)
Within the narrative, a handful of Madrid-based guests appear, including comedians Santiago Segura, known for Torrente, who has graced the publication’s cover multiple times, and Carlos Areces. Also featured are Muriel and Manel Barceló, the duo behind Mamen, alongside Vizcarra, a prominent centerfold cartoonist who contributed to the visual voice of the magazine. The documentary captures a moment when cultural images move from the page to the public sphere, marking how a single cover can become a part of history. The discussion surrounding the cover featuring Felipe and Letizia and its evolution over time highlights the shifting symbolic weight of monarchy in the public imagination. The film encourages viewers to dive deeper to understand how these covers influenced public perception and how the institution itself has navigated change and continuity. The end result is a portrait of a publication and its era—one that invites ongoing curiosity about the forces that shape media, culture, and national dialogue. (Citation: TV3, El Jueves documentary)