Hispanic Film Festival Wraps up with Provocative Catalan Cinema and Engaging Discussion

The Hispanic Film Festival at Idaho State University came to a successful close, featuring screenings of The Good Boss (2022), directed by Fernando León de Aranoa, on October 22 and 7 Reasons to Run Away (from Society) (2019), directed by David Torras, Gerard Quinto, and Esteve Soler, on October 29. Each film showcased complex social themes and sparked meaningful dialogue about Hispanic culture’s role in contemporary cinema.

The Good Boss was introduced by ISU alumna and current PhD student Farhana Hibbert, who is actively engaged in the Hispanic community in Pocatello and throughout Idaho. Her presentation provided context for the film’s sharp satire on corporate ethics, setting the tone for the evening. The festival concluded on October 29, with 7 Reasons to Run Away from Society, introduced by John Gribas, associate dean for fine arts and humanities, who also delivered closing remarks, celebrating the festival’s role in fostering cultural awareness and appreciation within the ISU community.

As a special feature, the festival also hosted an intimate Q&A session with Catalan director Gerard Quinto on October 30, allowing attendees to explore the cultural and thematic layers of 7 Reasons to Run Away (from Society). During the discussion, Quinto shed light on the film’s unique use of dark humor—a style deeply rooted in Catalan culture. He explained how this humor serves as a powerful lens to critique social issues, from the exploitation of marginalized communities by elites to the underlying hypocrisy in societal values. Quinto highlighted how certain cultural nuances in the film, especially those specific to Catalonia, offer perspectives that may feel distinct from broader Hispanic experiences. Nonetheless, he hoped the film would provoke audiences to reflect on universal themes, such as economic exploitation, societal indifference to suffering, existential questions about death, and the ethical dilemmas that define modern life.

The Hispanic Film Festival’s success is a testament to the collaborative efforts of numerous supporters, including Pragda, SPAIN arts & culture, and the Secretary of State for Culture of Spain, as well as the ISU Cultural Events Grant, Global Studies Program, Department of Art, Dr. Jonathan Fardy, the Office of Common Ground, KISU, and the dedicated students and marketing team of the College of Arts and Letters. Through a diverse lineup of films, the festival celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month, enriching our community’s understanding and appreciation of Hispanic culture’s role in contemporary society.