IBO : Spain Censors Basque Film

As you know by now, the Spanish government led by Aznar has launched a campaign against a documentary by film maker Julio Medem as part of a broader campaign against the freedom of speech of the Basque people, a campaign that also includes direct attacks on Basque cultural organizations.

Here you have a press release by International Basque Organization for Human Rights (IBO) regarding this issue:

Spanish Government Tries To Censor Film In London

El Correo Digital reports that the Spanish Embassy in England asked for the producers of the London Film Festival to withdraw a movie from their line-up. This movie, La Pelota Vasca, La Piel Contra La Piedra (Basque Ball, Skin Against Stone) tells the tale of the current Basque conflict, from all sides of the equation. It’s director, Julio Medem, wanted to give a fair representation of the political and social strife of the Basque region. Spanish officials seem to want nothing to do with such a concept. Spain’s Minister of Culture condemned the film without even seeing it.

The London Film Festival has refused to withdraw the movie. The consequence is that Spain has pulled its traditional subsidy to the festival, which is used to pay the expenses of Spanish participants. La Pelota Vasca is scheduled to play at the London Film Festival October 26 and 27.

For more information:

International Basque Organization For Human Rights
PO Box 225
Corte Madera, CA 94976
www.euskojustice.org

.... ... .