The latest film from Spanish filmmaker Alberto Rodríguez Model 77 †Prison 77) opens the San Sebastian Film Festival70th edition this year in a slot out of competition.
The thriller is set in Spain in the 1970s and has a cast that includes Miguel Herrán (money robbery) and Javier Gutierrez. The film marks the director’s fifth participation in the festival program. It will be screened after the opening gala on September 16.
“Modelo prison. Barcelona, 1977. Manuel, a young accountant (Herrán), who is in prison and awaiting trial for embezzlement, faces a prison term of six to eight years, a disproportionate punishment for the crime committed,” reads the plot description. “Together with his cellmate Pino (Gutiérrez), he joins forces with COPEL, a collective that fights for the rights of ordinary prisoners and amnesty. A war for freedom breaks out that will bring the Spanish prison system to its knees. If things change outside, they will have to do the same inside.” The film is described as “a story of friendship, solidarity and freedom, inspired by true events.
Rodríguez debuted at the party in the New Directors section with The pilgrim factor (2000), a feature film co-directed with Santi Amodeo.” Of Costume†The suit (2002) he appeared again in the same section, while his debut was in the official selection 7 virgins†7 virgins (2005), for which actor Juan José Ballesta won the Silver Shell for best actor. Later came After (2009), nominated for three Goya awards, and Group 7†Unit 7 (2012), screened in Made in Spain and nominated for the Goya in 16 categories.”
The party is scheduled for September 16-24.