Locarno Spanish Previews Feature Basque Thriller and New Debuts
Locarno's Second Spanish Previews Highlight Basque Thriller and Directorial Debuts

LOCARNO SPANISH FILM PREVIEWS
Illustration concept: A warm, cinematic wide shot of a film preview presentation at an international film festival in Switzerland, showing stage lighting, a large screen in the background, and film directors sitting on panel chairs in front of an attentive media audience.
AI summary
The second edition of Locarno’s Spanish Film Previews featured a lineup of upcoming projects, including the Basque period thriller 'Blind Ants' and works from emerging directors. The event also presented the directorial feature debut of 'The Others' editor Nacho Ruiz Capillas.
Why this matters
The showcase highlights the growing international footprint and creative diversity of contemporary Spanish cinema. By offering industry insiders an early look at projects from both veteran editors and rising filmmakers, platforms like Locarno’s previews help secure global distribution and festival placements for regional European cinema.
Key takeaways
- Locarno held the vibrant second edition of its Spanish Film Previews showcase.
- Basque period production 'Blind Ants' stood out among the major thrillers presented.
- 'The Others' film editor Nacho Ruiz Capillas presented his directorial feature debut, 'War Material Captured From the Enemy.'
- Emerging directors Diego Llorente and Carmela Román featured new projects exploring contemporary emotional themes.
The second edition of Locarno’s Spanish Film Previews presented an array of upcoming cinematic projects, offering industry professionals a detailed look at Spain’s evolving storytelling landscape. According to reports from Variety, the showcase highlighted a mix of historical genre pieces, emotional contemporary narratives, and notable directorial debuts.
Among the standout projects was "Blind Ants," a major Basque period thriller production that captured attention for its narrative scale and regional setting. The showcase also featured "War Material Captured From the Enemy," marking the feature directorial debut of veteran film editor Nacho Ruiz Capillas, widely recognized for his editing work on Alejandro Amenábar’s horror film "The Others."
In addition to work from established film professionals, the event spotlighted fresh perspective from rising filmmakers. Director Diego Llorente showcased his project "How the Lights Get In," while filmmaker Carmela Román presented her feature "Bed of Grass," contributing to a lineup that explored themes such as modern emotional bonds among millennials.
By serving as an industry platform, Locarno’s Spanish Film Previews continue to foster international connections for Spanish cinema, bringing regional narratives and distinctive auteur projects to the attention of global buyers and festival programmers.
Frequently asked questions
- What is Locarno's Spanish Film Previews?
- It is an industry showcase held in conjunction with the Locarno film platform to give international buyers and festival programmers an early look at upcoming Spanish feature films.
- Who presented a directorial debut at the showcase?
- Nacho Ruiz Capillas, an established film editor known for his work on 'The Others,' presented his feature directorial debut, titled 'War Material Captured From the Enemy.'
- Which Basque film was featured at the event?
- The showcase featured 'Blind Ants,' a major Basque period thriller production.
Source & transparency
- By:
- The Reviser Desk
- Source:
- Variety
- Original publication:
- Aug 12, 2026, 1:19 PM
- The Reviser publication:
- Aug 12, 2026, 1:19 PM
- Updated:
- Aug 12, 2026, 1:32 PM
This report was independently written by The Reviser editorial desk from verified source material. It is not original on-the-ground reporting by The Reviser.
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