Fuente Ovejuna exists

Fuente
Ovejuna
exists
Fuenteovejuna Exists is a documentary film about
the life of a remote Spanish village, contrasting
the present with historical events that took place
more than five hundred years ago and exploring
such timeless themes as solidarity, love, honour and
politics, country versus city life, the family and the
role of women.
In the summer of 2004 Odinn Media Productions
shot the material for the documentary in the village
of Fuente Obejuna, Andalucia. The background of the
film is the famous play by Lope de Vega (1562-1635)
which was set in the village, recounting the events
of 1476 when the villagers rebelled. Fuenteovejuna,
possibly the best-known historical play in the Spanish
language, was staged in the village last summer, with
the villagers themselves as actors.
A crew of five film makers documented the
production of the play for six weeks from the
beginning of rehearsal up to opening night, as well as
exploring the present life of the village by following
the actors into their daily lives, in their homes and
places of work, listening to their reflections on present
issues and the themes of the play. These people, the
present inhabitants of Fuente Obejuna, share their
everyday lives with the viewer - their concerns, hopes
and ambitions - between rehearsals where they strive
to re-enact the horrific events in their town square
long ago.
To the world it is a legend.
To the villagers it is home.
A Documentary Film
Duration: 54 minutes
Director: Helgi Sverrisson
Production Company: Odinn Media
Producer: Örnólfur Árnason
Primary Format: D9 4:4:2 Digital Video
Secondary Cameras: DV Pro
Stock Footage: 35 mm film
The play Fuenteovejuna by Lope de
Vega is staged from time to time in its
historical surroundings, in this case by
the townspeople themselves
Love and the interaction of the sexes. This is
a prominent theme in the play and allows Lope
de Vega to emphasise both the human dignity
of the villagers and the evil character of the
Commander who rules them. The documentary
uses this to explore the lives of the young people
in the village, to probe for their opinions, their
ideas on life and their hopes for the future.
Life in the country versus city life. This is one
of the main themes of the play and Lope de
Vega does not hesitate to recommend life in the
country as being far more noble and wholesome
than the life that cities breed. The question is of
course even more relevant today and is certainly
one that is hotly debated in every village and
country town. Why do the villagers choose to
live in the country? How do they see the tension
between the countryside and the city? What are
the advantages and disadvantages of living in the
village?
History comes to life in the narrow
streets and squares of Fuente Obejuna
Honour and politics. Solidarity is a major theme
in the play, how people unite against injustice
and oppression. How do he villagers see themselves today? Has the play and the story it tells
affected their self-image in some way? What
are the main political issues facing the village
today and how do people think they should be
engaged? How do they relate to larger political
authority, i.e. Madrid or Brussels? How would
they like to see their village change?
Family and the role of women. Lope de Vega
is famous for his “modern” portrayal of his
women as active and independent; in fact, it is
the women who instigate and lead the revolt.
The film explores the world of today’s women in
Fuente Obejuna and their views on gender roles,
equal rights and family issues. Here, perhaps
most importantly, they voice their opinion of
the play and its message. What does it mean for
them to regularly stage this play in the village?
Do the men understand to play the same way as
the women do? Do the women see the heroines
of the play as role models for themselves?
Fuenteovejuna Exists is a documentary film for
television and the educational media market
worldwide. It is produced by Icelandic and
Spanish film makers with financial support
from public and private sources in Spain and
Iceland.
Örnólfur Árnason
Klapparstíg 25-27
517 2330 & 691 2330
ornolfur@islandia.is