long and another only three. There were shorts performed in Spanish, Euskara (Basque) and even French – La guerra (War) being the most gripping piece of the night. That said, many of these films come together in reflecting the unique humour that Spanish film often has. Bold and bizarre, both Traumalogía and Éramos pocos (translated as One Too Many) leave you in first in disbelief, baffled by innumerable WTF moments. Unafraid to be a little out there, these films show how the Spanish are always willing to take a risk, and are not afraid to make a fool of themselves. In fact, it’s interesting to note that these two films take a swipe at Spain’s traditional machista society.

It was also wonderful to see some of the first Basque short films created, seeing the art form evolve (or ‘sprout’, if we think of the meaning behind Kimuak as a name). Asier Altuna and Telmo Esnal‘s 1997 short Txoxt is very much the “rural surrealism” promised before its screening, with the film’s subject matter again highlighting Spain’s eccentric humour. Together with Topeka, also by Altuna, these two Basque-dominated productions (Txoxt being the only film delivered in euskara) were worthy additions to the night’s line-up, confirming the underrepresented Spanish region’s affinity for short film.   

Being the first Spanish organisation to celebrate short film as an art form, Kimuak has a lot to be proud of. This is evident in the passion of the men who have organised the event, and it will fascinating to see how far this initiative goes.