Film co-produced by the Basque Country Film School
Bilbao-born director Sara Fantova (Bilbao, 1993) premiered her feature film debut, Jone, Batzuetan, on September 12. This moving coming-of-age story follows Jone, a 20-year-old komparsera from Kaskagorri, as she experiences first love with Olga while facing the impact of her father’s Parkinson’s disease, whose unexpected progression marked an unforgettable summer during Bilbao’s Semana Grande.
Filmed during Aste Nagusia 2023, Jone, Batzuetan became the first film shot amid Bilbao’s festival, including real scenes of the txupinazo and the challenges of shooting during such a lively event.
Critical and Public Acclaim
The film has been well received by both critics and audiences. On Filmaffinity, it holds a 6.8 rating with over 150 votes, approaching 7. Among the highlights:
- “An intense melodrama that manages to move you and realistically presents the director who co-directed La hija de alguien, Sara Fantova Barrena, in her first solo film.”
- “A heartfelt and intimate drama addressing universal themes with subtlety and sensitivity. The slow, contemplative narrative gives key moments room to breathe, making the story even more moving. Overall, Jone, Batzuetan is a work by Sara Fantova in a European auteur style, reflecting life’s complexity with humanity and authenticity.”
- “Sara Fantova’s solo debut confirms the emergence of a promising voice in Spanish cinema.”
Box Office Success
Audiences responded enthusiastically as well. According to BoxOfficeEspaña, Jone, Batzuetan, winner of the Atlàntida Film Festival and recipient of a special jury mention at Málaga, attracted 5,500 viewers across just 25 theaters. Its strongest performance came in the Basque Country, where it screened in 14 theaters and drew over 4,100 spectators. The film grossed more than €32,000 in just five days, with expectations to approach €70,000 in the coming weeks.
Learn Filmmaking with the Pros
Jone, Batzuetan is a production of Escándalo Films, Amania Films, and the Basque Country Film School. The co-production with the Film School allows aspiring filmmakers to enroll and begin training in the world of cinema. Registration is open, and there’s still time to join this exciting industry.
Aprende cine con los profesionales en la ECPV
La coproducción de películas como Jone, Batzuetan por parte de la Escuela de Cine del País Vasco permite a los alumnos adentrarse en el mundo del cine y adquirir experiencia práctica trabajando en producciones reales.
Las matrículas están abiertas y todavía hay tiempo para sumarse a esta apasionante industria. Descubre todas nuestras formaciones relacionadas con el cine y contacta con nosotros para comenzar con el proceso de admisión o resolver cualquier duda.
