Bilbao has hosted the second edition of Talentuaren Gunea — a Talent Day and pivotal initiative by promotion org Zineuskadi to nurture emerging talents in the Basque region. Set in the stone-panelled environs of Sala Bastida, Azkuna Zentroa, the event showcased 14 projects from students, taking a deep, calming breath before presenting and vying for recognition and support to push their creative endeavors.
This year’s jury panel included a diverse mix of industry experts which took in Nerea García Guillén from Lau Haizetara, and other international figures such as Mathieu Béjot from Sunny Side of the Doc, reflecting the initiative’s broadened scope.
Their insights offered a blend of critical feedback and encouragement to the palpably nervy students. But this was the point: a safe exposure for the students to the ‘real’ world of pitching and being able to describe a fledgling project.
“Students were nervous, of course, but the jury was extremely generous with their feedback, the vibe was of emotion and respect, and the attendees were there to really listen to the pitches.” Zineuskadi head Mar Izquierdo told Variety. “Our overall feedback is of gratitude towards everyone, but we are now proud, since we have already received four petitions from attending producers to contact the students. And this was the aim of why we created the event. So for us, it is truly a success that producers are actually finding out talent over this day.” she concluded.
Spotlight on Winners
June Lasarte’s project, “Ardiek jakingo dute” won the D’A Film Lab Barcelona prize, guaranteeing a spot in the 2025 Producció Emergente section. The project’s unique take on Basque history and culture stood out to the Catalan festival’s selectors.
Naia Aranzamendi’s “Koaxi” clinched the TP1/Music Library & SFX/Acorde Award, recognizing its compelling portrayal of women’s struggles in a historically patriarchal society. The prize offers Aranzamendi extensive access to the music catalogs for her film’s soundtrack.
The “Peter” project by Lucía Montero and Carlota Darnell received the Lau Haizetara Award, which includes pitch preparation and a spot at the Documentary Co-Production Forum at the San Sebastian Festival.
Ekain Zabala’ “Ñop Ñop” was awarded personalized mentoring from Weird Market to further develop the animated project.
Oier Bravo and Josep Cabo’s “Magastiko koplak” received the Abycine Lanza Conexiones Award, providing them market access and festival exposure.
Topping things off, Marta Codesido and Núria Ubach won the Sunny Side of the Doc prize for “Ezagutzen ditugun bekain guztiak.” The project, which humorously and insightfully explores the cultural significance of eyebrows, will benefit from international market exposure and networking opportunities.
Emerging Trends and Insights
Jury members shared their perspectives on emerging trends, noting a rise in hybrid formats that blend documentary and fiction, the use of AI as a creative tool, and the potential for international co-productions. “Cinema is an art. And art is, in the end, a personal way of feeling. So yes, use your instincts, but take into account the knowledge of the industry. Instinct is not just about letting yourself go, but also analyzing whether the project will end up becoming a film and make it to the big screen.” Manuel J. Lacasa, from Abycine Lanza, a member of the jury, told Variety, describing their approach to judging.
