Manuel Manrique’s Modern Masculinity Study ‘Head On The Wall’ Bound for Locarno’s Match Me!

variety.com:

Holly Jones A clever study of modern masculinity through the lens of Spain’s polarizing bullfighting tradition, Manuel Manrique’s “Head On The Wall” (“Una cabeza en la pared”) hits Locarno’s Match Me!

sessions as part of Madrid-based Kabiria Films production slate, presented by co-founder Diego Saniz. “I think the most interesting thing about “Head On The Wall” is how it talks about global issues from the particularity of something as local and Spanish as bullfighting, taking advantage of it as a metaphor for the contradiction of the human being and the complexity of such a current issue,”Saniz told Variety. “In addition, we believe that all the aesthetics and atmosphere of the bullfighting world can also help to connect with the international audience.” Written by Manrique (“Into Nothingness”) and Itziar SanJuan Saenz, the story takes place in the not-so-distant future.

Bullfighting is banned, and protagonist Rafael Jesús finds himself grappling with the loss of his livelihood while trying to fit into an unaccommodating world he struggles to recognize. “This is the story of a man who can’t find his place in this century,” Saniz relayed. “Using the bullfighting world as a framework to reflect on the new masculinities, our position is not to judge, but to observe and try to understand.

A drama film with touches of comedy under an atmosphere of futuristic Spanish folklore.” Attending the networking sessions provides the curation of ideas across continents and thematic divides.