Spain’s Double Talent Revolution: from Oliver Laxe to Ian de la Rosa

Variety

by John Hopewell

February 13, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Spain’s film industry is experiencing a dual revolution, with both established directors and emerging talents making waves on the global stage. While veteran filmmakers like Oliver Laxe are gaining international acclaim through prestigious festival appearances and Oscar nominations, a fresh wave of first-time directors is breaking into the scene with genre-infused, emotionally resonant debuts. This shift reflects a broader transformation in Spain’s film industry, where streaming platforms and international co-productions are enabling larger budgets and more ambitious projects. The result is a new era of Spanish cinema that balances artistic integrity with global appeal. The established talent contingent includes names like Rodrigo Sorogoyen, Albert Serra, and Alauda Ruiz de Azúa, whose works have earned top festival spots and critical acclaim. Their success has been further amplified by Oscar nominations and high-profile festival berths, cementing Spain’s reputation as a hub for artistic filmmaking. Meanwhile, newer voices like Ian de la Rosa are gaining traction with debut features that blend genre elements—such as thrillers or mysteries—with emotional depth, making their work both accessible and distinctive. The rise of these new auteurs highlights a shift in the industry’s approach to storytelling. Young directors are no longer confined by traditional arthouse cinema; instead, they’re retooling it to appeal to broader audiences while maintaining their unique voices. This generation is characterized by a more global outlook, with fewer self-consciousness and a willingness to tell deeply local stories that resonate universally. Their work often debuts at top-tier festivals like Berlin, where de la Rosa’s *Iván & Hadoum* screened in the Panorama section. Carla Simón serves as a bridge between these two revolutions. Her films, such as *Summer 1993* and *Alcarràs*, have won awards and critical praise for their ability to turn specific, local stories into global headlines. Her upcoming projects signal an evolution in scale and ambition, reflecting the broader industry trend of blending local specificity with international appeal. This transformation matters because it underscores Spain’s growing influence on the global stage. By combining artistic vision with commercial viability, Spanish filmmakers are redefining what it means to tell a story that feels both universal and deeply rooted in its origins. This shift not only benefits the Spanish film industry but also enriches the global entertainment landscape with fresh perspectives and innovative storytelling techniques.

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Originally published on Variety on 2/13/2026