Collective Memory in Spanish Cinema

Carla Simón and her Shocking Trilogy: Collective Memory in Spanish Cinema

The Catalan filmmaker presents her new work, 'Romería', at Cannes 2025.

Carla Simón, born in 1986 in Barcelona, has emerged in recent years as one of the most influential and respected filmmakers on the Spanish film scene. His narrative style is characterized by an intimate and emotional voice, where family memories and collective memory play a crucial role. With his latest work, 'Pilgrimage'presented at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, Simón culminates a trilogy that addresses universal themes such as identity, generational trauma and the search for belonging.

A cinematic legacy that excites

Simón's career took off with 'Summer 1993' (2017), an autobiographical film that reflects the difficult experience of losing his mother in his childhood. This first film not only captivated critics, but established Simón as a necessary voice in contemporary Spanish cinema. In 2022, his second film, 'Alcarràs'won the Golden Bear at the Berlinale, reaffirming its prestige on the international stage. This success proved to be a significant boost in his career, bringing his work to global audiences.

The third installment: 'Pilgrimage'

'Romería' closes this deep and personal trilogy. The film follows Marina, a young adopted woman who travels to Vigo in search of her roots and the truth about her biological parents, who died from complications associated with AIDS and addiction. Through this journey, Simón weaves his own experience with an exploration of the traumas that affect an entire generation.

“My three films have in common that need to create a family archive that I had been missing. Now it's time to look to the future and not continue exploring the family past,” Simón said in an interview with El Debate.

Memory as the protagonist

Simón has confessed that filming 'Romería' in Vigo, his father's hometown, was almost a mystical experience. The filmmaker seeks to vindicate the stories of those who lived in silence the tragedies of the 80s in Spain, generating a necessary dialogue about historical memory. This approach has allowed 'Pilgrimage' to become a work that transcends the personal to connect with the public on a broader level.

The impact in Cannes

The premiere of 'Romería' at Cannes 2025 was a turning point in Simón's career. The film not only competed in the official section for the Palme d'Or, but was received with a ovation of more than ten minuteswhich underlines its strong emotional resonance. “I didn't even know what to wear. But I'm very grateful,” Simón said, reflecting the depth of what he had accomplished.

The voice of a generation

Simón uses cinema as a medium to explore and make memories that highlight the importance of memory in identity.
The director has stated that her work is not only autobiographical, but that she seeks give voice to universal aspects of the human being.
'Pilgrimage' addresses the impact of diseases that have marked entire generations, offering a space to remember and reflect.
The film invites audiences to reflect on how memories are manipulated and reinterpreted over time.

A deep reflection

Simón has stressed that memory has multiple layers and nuances. “Whenever we talk about historical memory in Spain, we refer to moments like the Civil War, but what happened in those years is also historical memory,” he declared. This perspective invites us to question how we remember, what we forget, and how we forge our personal narrative within the broader context of social history.

Conclusion: A legacy that lasts

Through her work, Carla Simón not only tells stories, but also awakens emotions and reflections on life and memory. His ability to address sensitive topics with sensitivity and authenticity has set a new standard in contemporary Spanish cinema. Simón reminds us that each memory, each story, is an essential piece of our social fabric.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Who is Carla Simón? Carla Simón is a Spanish filmmaker recognized for her focus on personal and social themes in her films.
What were Carla Simón's first films? His first feature, 'Verano 1993', was acclaimed by critics and 'Alcarràs' won the Golden Bear in Berlin.
What theme does 'Pilgrimage' address? 'Pilgrimage' explores the search for identity and memory through the story of a young adopted woman.
Where was 'Romería' performed? It was presented at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, competing for the Palme d'Or.
What does the Golden Bear mean? It is a prestigious award given at the Berlin International Film Festival.
What is the impact of Simón's films on society? His films generate a dialogue about memory and universal experiences that connect audiences.
What role does memory play in Simón's cinema? Memory is a central theme that defines their narratives and the construction of identity.
Why is family history important in your films? It reflects the need to reconstruct and understand the past to move towards the future.
How has 'Romería' been received by critics? The film has received acclaim and ovations at its premiere, highlighting its emotional impact.
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