MADRID.- As January ushers in the crisp air of a new year, Cineteca Madrid becomes a vibrant canvas where cinema intertwines seamlessly with architecture, dreams, and even legendary monsters. Nestled in the heart of Madrid, this cultural haven invites film enthusiasts and curious minds alike to embark on a month-long exploration of storytelling through built environments and creative visions.

The Intersection of Cinema and Architecture

Imagine stepping into a world where every frame is meticulously crafted, not just with characters and plots, but with spaces that breathe life into the narrative. This is the essence of Cineteca Madrid’s Cinema and Architecture cycle. From January 7 to 29, audiences will journey through a selection of films that showcase how the built environment shapes and is shaped by the stories told on screen.

Films like Olivier Assayas’s The Hours of Summer delve into the heart of a family home, transforming it into a vessel of shared memories and future aspirations. In contrast, Tsai Ming-Liang’s Goodbye, Dragon Inn captures the poignant decline of a cinema itself, offering a melancholic reflection on change and nostalgia. These cinematic pieces highlight how architecture can serve as both backdrop and character, influencing the emotional landscape of a film.

Masterclasses with Visionary Filmmakers

Adding depth to the cinematic experience, Cineteca Madrid is proud to host masterclasses with acclaimed filmmakers Natalia Marín and Elías León Siminiani. On January 23 and 30, these creators will share their insights on how architecture inspires and shapes their storytelling processes. Marín’s New Madrid offers a visual essay on urban evolution, while Siminiani’s Emotional Architecture 1959 explores the intimate relationship between personal memories and built spaces. These sessions promise to be enlightening for anyone interested in the symbiotic relationship between film and architecture.

A Tribute to Satoshi Kon: Dreams and Reality

From January 15 to 19, in collaboration with the Japan Foundation, Cineteca Madrid honors the legendary Satoshi Kon. Known for his masterful blending of reality and fantasy, Kon’s films like Perfect Blue and Millennium Actress blur the lines between dreams and the tangible world. This retrospective celebrates his ability to materialize the ethereal spaces of dreams and memories, leaving audiences mesmerized by his unique vision.

Habitar la Casa: Humanizing Architectural Spaces

Ila Bêka and Louise Lemoine’s Habitar la Casa cycle offers an intimate glimpse into the everyday interactions between humans and their architectural surroundings. From January 14 to 28, viewers will experience documentaries that highlight the subtle yet profound ways in which people inhabit and personalize their spaces. Whether it’s architect Ryue Nishizawa’s journey through Tokyo in Tokyo Ride or the lived-in perspective of Rem Koolhaas’s Koolhaas Houselife, these films celebrate the human touch in architectural design.

70 Years of Kaiju: Godzilla’s Enduring Legacy

Marking the 70th anniversary of Ishiro Honda’s iconic Godzilla, Cineteca Madrid pays homage to the kaiju genre with a special tribute. From January 10 to 12, film lovers can dive into the world of giant monsters and their symbolic destruction of architectural marvels. Jonathan Bellés’s documentaries, including The Dawn of Kaiju Eiga, alongside the modern reinterpretation Shin Godzilla, explore how these cinematic giants mirror societal and political tensions through their awe-inspiring devastations.

From Manga to the Big Screen: Contemporary Japanese Cinema

Expanding its international repertoire, Cineteca Madrid presents From Manga to Cinema, a cycle dedicated to live-action adaptations of beloved manga. Collaborating with the Japan Foundation, this January’s lineup introduces European audiences to fresh narratives that reflect contemporary Japanese society. Films like Love is Hard for Otaku and What Did You Eat Yesterday? delve into personal relationships and social challenges, offering a nuanced portrayal of modern life through the lens of manga-inspired cinema.

Spotlight on Independent Spanish Cinema

Emerging voices in Spanish cinema take center stage with a series of independent film premieres. Titles such as Anna Cornudella’s The Human Hibernation and Daniel Tornero’s Saturno showcase innovative storytelling that tackles themes of time, technology, and urban life. These premieres not only highlight the burgeoning talent within Spain but also provide audiences with a diverse array of perspectives and narratives.

Cinezeta’s Eighth Generation: Pushing Boundaries

The eighth generation of Cinezeta debuts with Anatomías de la Carne, a program that challenges the limits of visual representation. Featuring provocative works like Pascal Laugier’s Martyrs, this selection pushes audiences to confront the extremes of human experience and suffering, broadening the scope of cinematic exploration.

Family-Friendly and Diverse Programming

Cineteca Madrid ensures that there’s something for everyone this January. Family-friendly screenings like The LEGO Movies, neighborhood-focused selections from La Noche Z, and intriguing documentaries within the Docma Cycle cater to a wide range of interests. Additionally, special screenings such as On Set with Lilly Reich and Hedy Crilla, Maestra de Actores offer unique glimpses into the worlds behind the camera.