“Tardes de soledad,” by Spanish director Albert Serra, stands out as a significant documentary work in Spanish cinema. It will be screened for free this Saturday, September 5, at 6:00 PM at the “Marco Lugo” Cinematógrafo within the Municipal Center for the Arts (CMA).
Serra’s film approaches the world of bullfighting from a strictly observational perspective, following Peruvian bullfighter Andrés Roca Rey during a bullfight—from the moment he begins his preparations until his day concludes.
During its festival run, the film won the Golden Shell for Best Film at the 2024 San Sebastián Film Festival—one of the most prestigious honors in Spanish and international cinema—and also received the Feroz Zinemaldia Award, along with other parallel accolades, during the event.
In this work, Serra largely abandons traditional documentary conventions and avoids explaining bullfighting; instead, he observes. The camera stays close to the bullfighter, capturing his preparation, silences, movements, the intimacy before entering the ring, and the physical transformation that occurs when facing the animal. The result is a cinematic experience in which time plays a fundamental role.
One of the greatest achievements of “Tardes de soledad” lies in its audiovisual construction. The cinematography by Artur Tort Pujol and the sound design allow the viewer to perceive the bullfight not merely as a spectacle, but as a physical experience—encompassing breathing, sweat, fear, concentration, noise, silence, and movement.
Serra transforms the bullfighting ritual into a study of the human body facing danger and of the relationship between man, animal, and audience.
“Tardes de soledad” is a film that demands close attention: a documentary exercise that transforms a workday into an intense, physical, and deeply contemplative cinematic experience. Admission is free but limited; the film will be screened in its original language with Spanish subtitles. Doors to the Cinematógrafo will open 20 minutes before the start time, with entry via the CMA main entrance on Carnaval Street (no number), opposite Plazuela Machado.
