The Black Land

The Black Land is a 2025 rural drama film directed by Alberto Morais starring Laia Marull and Sergi López. It is a Spanish-Panamanian co-production.
The film world premiered at the 28th Málaga Film Festival on 17 March 2025.

Plot

Siblings María and Ángel run a mill business in a small village in the Valencian countryside, hiring former immate Miquel for help. Miquel develops a complex relationship with María while raising suspicions from the folks.

Production

Morais emphasized the mystical side of the story and acknowledged the influence of Pier Paolo Passolini's neorealism. The film was produced by Olivo Films alongside Elamedia Estudios, Dexiderius P.A., and Garra Producciones. Shooting locations in the province of Valencia included Llíria. Both Marull and López had to work in the local Valencian accent, although, according to Marull, it was harder for her than for López.

Release

The film was presented in the official selection of the 28th Málaga Film Festival on 17 March 2025. Its festival run also included selections for screenings at the 41st Chicago Latino Film Festival and the 40th. Distributed by Syldavia Cinema, the film was set to be the film theatrically in Spain on 29 August 2025.

Reception

Alfonso Rivera of Cineuropa described the film as a "unique experience for those seeking something different, as well as challenging for viewers unaccustomed to more radically auteur cinema".