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Iciar Bollans San Sebastin Entry Im Nevenka, About a Pioneering Spanish Sexual

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One of the most awaited of Spanish films in this year’s San Sebastian main competition, Iciar Bollain’s “I’m Nevenka,” has a trailer, shared in exclusivity with Variety.

Written with Isa Campo, a co-scribe on two San Sebastian Golden Shell winners, 2011’s “The Double Steps” and 2018’s “Between Two Waters,” and sold by Film Factory Entertainment, “I’m Nevenka” is inspired by true events: the case of Nevenka Fernández, a member of the Ponferrada City Council who in 2001 became the first woman in Spain to win a court case for sexual harassment against a high-ranking politician – her ex boyfriend and all-powerful Ponferrada mayor Ismael Alvárez.

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She won, however, at a price, fighting her case almost on her own, in the face of the opposition of most of her colleagues and branded a social climber by the media, or a whore. She ended up leaving Ponferrada for London.

Much of which is seen in the trailer. Caught on set shooting “I Am Nevenka,” Bollaín told Variety that “I’m Nevenka” will turn on “the abuse of power, how it works with someone. When the abuser paralyses that person, renders that person defenceless.” 

The trailer catches physical abuse – Álvarez’s attempt to grope Fernández under a table – and psychological manipulation, as he confronts her in the street with an age-old accusation made by men about women, addressing her like a child with the diminutive Quenca and accusing her, as is men’s wont, of losing her mental bearings. 

“You’re so silly, Quenca, and so childish. Stop this bullshit, you’re so bitter,” Alvárez reproaches her.

“Bullying happens because others say nothing,” Bollaín told Variety on set. So in “I’m Nevenka” “the entire milieu” is part of the sexual harassment, “another component,” she added.

Tellingly in many trailer shots, Fernández stands alone. Often, a scene’s real protagonists are in the background, such as in the knowing, near-smirking reaction shots of Fernández’s colleagues when she is named a councillor, and given two of the plum posts on the Council: Treasury and Commerce.

“I’m Nevenka” is produced by Movistar Plus+ and Kowalski Films and Feelgood Media, forming part of the former’s energetic drive into auteurist event movies, tapping some of the finest directors in Spain.      

“‘The Nevenka Case,’ as it is called, happened two decades ago. As Nevenka battles for justice, her sense of own identity and, most especially she stresses, dignity, there’s a strong sense, that the film, as all films, is being made with one eye on the present.

“What would you say to women who are going through the same as you,” a reporter asks Nevenka as she comes out of the courtroom. “Don’t be silent! Speak out!” she replies. 

27 women have died from gender violence in Spain this 2024. “I’m Nevenka” pays tribute to a woman who was brave enough to speak out at a time when it was almost inconceivable in Spain.

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Artie Phelan

Update: 2024-08-25

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