Paris 70


Paris 70 is a 2023 Spanish short film produced and directed by Dani Feixas and written by Nach Solís. Starring Luisa Gavasa, Alain Hernández and Neus Asensi, it is about mother-son relationship. Jan, the son takes care of his mother Angela, who suffers from Alzheimer's disease, which tests his commitment and resistance. It premiered on 31 March 2023 at the Skyline Film Festival. It is also available on YouTube for a limited time.
The film has garnered 150 awards and 190 official international selections. It was also nominated for a Spanish Academy Goya and received an honorable mention at the Cleveland International Film Festival, making its international debut at Indiana's Heartland International Film Festival. Additionally, the film has created an alternative circuit, with over 80 screenings at Alzheimer's associations, foundations, hospitals, and conferences throughout Spain.
In December 2024, it was shortlisted for the Academy Award for Best [Live Action Short Film|Best Live Action Short Film] at the 97th Academy Awards.

Synopsis

Jan's life takes a sudden turn when his mother, Angela, is diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. He is now responsible for her care, which tests his dedication and resilience. Each day, she asks about his father, and when reminded that he died some time ago, she becomes sorrowful and struggles to cope.
Every day, Jan's mother inquires about his father, and Jan's response leaves her deeply saddened and confused. Worn out and heartbroken by his mother's distress, Jan eventually resorts to a white lie: he tells her that his father is on a trip to Paris, where his parents honeymooned in 1970

Cast

It had its premiere at the Skyline Film Festival on 31 March 2023 in the National Official Selection.
The film made it to the official selection of the Short Shorts Film Festival & Asia 2024 and was screened on 8 June.

Reception

John Hopewell of Variety cited Pedro Uriol, producer at Morena Films, who praised the film as the most acclaimed Spanish short film of 2023. Uriol described it as a deeply moving and relatable work, noting that while its narrative is classic, its thematic approach is contemporary. Uriol emphasized that the film uniquely shifts the focus to the ill, particularly an Alzheimer's patient grappling with memory loss.

Accolades

Adaptation

Fairy Queen, a feature film directed by Dani Feixas Roka and written by Nach Solís, Dani Feixas and Marta Buchaca, an adaptation of Paris 70 is taken up by Spanish production house Morena Films, teaming with A Contracorriente Films and French co-producer Noodle Productions.