SPN 319 - Basque Cinema

Course Units: 1

The Basque Country of northern Spain is known for its unique language, lush green landscapes, and antagonistic relationship with the Spanish State. This course explores how films have helped to shape a Basque identity that is distinct from the rest of Spain. From the pioneering 1968 experimental documentary Ama Lur (Tierra Madre) to the Netflix-produced comedy Fe de etarras (2015), Basque cinema has always been deeply tied to the construction (and questioning) of a Basque nation. We will examine how cinematic portrayals of terrorist violence, rural landscapes, giants, and witches articulate different definitions of Basqueness. This course encompasses films from a wide variety of genres, including thriller, art-house film, documentary, drama, comedy, and horror, directed by the most celebrated Basque filmmakers. We will analyze how in these films national, linguistic, and cultural identities intersect with gender, sexuality, class, race, religion, age, and ability. Prerequisite(s): Two 250-299 level courses, or permission of the instructor. CC: LCC, HUM, WAC