Franco´s Settlers: an example of the suppression of the 'searching' documentary film

For some time, neoliberalism has defined the content and aesthetic of documentary films. The classic open, ‘searching’ documentary film is now very rare. It has been superseded by formatted, closed documentaries that follow the rules of advertising, propaganda or feature films. It’s about arousing emotions and encouraging identification with the heroes of the story. For the past twenty years, festivals, film sponsors and TV companies have been demanding and promoting feel-good films in conformity to the market. There’s little desire for films that offer grey shades, scepticism, complexity, distance from the subject, films that are thought-provoking and challenging. Through the example of "Franco’s Settlers", this book explores the difficulties encountered by filmmakers who resist this neoliberal standard format. It also considers the subject of the film, how Spain has not yet undergone a process of coming to terms with the civil war, Franco‘s dictatorship and their legacies.

The book is in three languages: English, German and Spanish.
Simultaneously we are publishing the DVD to "Franco´s Settlers" and to our new film "Franco on Trial".

We have also organised an ambulant cinema with "Franco on Trial" to make sure that the film really reaches the people.
As we already did with "Franco´s Settlers" we are again offering the excellent silk-screen prints created by German painter Daniel Richter. Many museums, collectors and supporters purchased the large black and white prints. They are very few complete series left.

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