CAZALLA DE LA SIERRA

Documentary, 26:39 min , 1985, 16mm, colour, NTSC.

Synopsis

Maria Carmen Ladron de Gueverra is a Spanish entrepreneur – everyone knows her simply as Maria Carmen. She has purchased a monastery of the Order of Saint Bruno, which she renovates in the hills north of Seville. This documentary delves into the heart of the daily lives of the inhabitants of Cazalla de la Sierra and then takes us to visit the monastery five kilometers from the village. It belonged to the Carthusians, an order founded in France in the 11th century. It is one of their four remaining monasteries existing in the region. Of the quartet, this one is called “Cinderella” due to its colorful history. The monastery opened in the 15th century and is located on the “Via de la Plata” (“The Silver Road”). Traced by the Phoenicians long before the birth of Christ, this path still connects the south of Spain to Galicia, passing countless mines of gold and silver on the way.

With its combination of history, spirituality and nature, the site of La Cartuja happens to be particularly telling of the type of people that Maria Carmen hopes to be involved with in her project.

“When the church and the monastery regain their dignity as historical sites, this place will also become a venue for concerts, choral recitals, theater and other pertinent cultural events.” Maria Carmen then asks, “What could be simpler?”

Cast & Crew

NARRATOR : MARIA CARMEN DE GUEVARRA
CAMERA : STEPHEN REIZES
SOUND : BASHAR SHBIB
MUSIC: MONSERAT MONASTERY CHOIR
FILM EDITING : MARTIAL ETHIER
EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS : ADNAN CHBIB, ELKE CHBIB
DIRECTOR AND PRODUCER : BASHAR SHBIB

With the assistance of: The National Film Board of Canada (PAFFPS)

All Rights Reserved © 1985 Oneira Pictures International