Trailer Released for Iciar Bollaín’s San Sebastián Entry ‘I Am Nevenka’

One of the most anticipated entries in this year’s San Sebastian main competition is Iciar Bollain’s “I Am Nevenka.” The trailer for this much-awaited Spanish film has now been exclusively shared with Variety.

Co-written with Isa Campo, a collaborator on two San Sebastian Golden Shell winners (“The Double Steps” in 2011 and “Between Two Waters” in 2018) and sold by Film Factory Entertainment, “I Am Nevenka” is inspired by true events. It tells the story of Nevenka Fernández, a Ponferrada City Council member who, in 2001, became the first woman in Spain to win a sexual harassment case against a high-ranking politician—her ex-boyfriend and the powerful Ponferrada mayor Ismael Álvarez.

Fernández’s victory came at a significant cost. She fought her case almost alone, facing opposition from most of her colleagues and being labeled by the media as a social climber or worse. Ultimately, she had to leave Ponferrada for London.

The trailer reveals much of these struggles. Bollaín, caught on set shooting “I Am Nevenka,” explained to Variety that the film revolves around “the abuse of power, particularly how it immobilizes and renders a person defenseless.”

The trailer captures both the physical abuse—Álvarez’s attempt to grope Fernández under a table—and psychological manipulation. In a street confrontation, he uses patronizing language, calling her “Quenca” and accusing her of insanity. “You’re so silly, Quenca, and so childish. Stop this nonsense, you’re so bitter,” Álvarez reprimands her.

“Bullying happens because others stay silent,” Bollaín told Variety on set. In “I Am Nevenka,” the environment itself becomes another component of the harassment Fernández faces.

In many shots from the trailer, Fernández stands alone. Often, the real protagonists of the scenes are in the background, such as in the knowing reactions of her colleagues when she is named a councillor and given two prime posts in the Council: Treasury and Commerce.

“I Am Nevenka” is produced by Movistar Plus+, Kowalski Films, and Feelgood Media, as part of Movistar Plus+’s energetic focus on auteurist event movies. This project leverages some of Spain’s most skilled directors.

Known as “The Nevenka Case,” the incident occurred two decades ago. As Nevenka battles for justice, identity, and dignity, the film subtly hints at the relevance of her story today. The struggles she faced mirror the challenges still encountered by many women.

In a poignant moment, a reporter asks Nevenka what advice she would give to women going through similar situations. “Don’t be silent! Speak out!” she says with conviction.

So far in 2024, 27 women have lost their lives to gender violence in Spain. “I Am Nevenka” stands as a tribute to a woman who had the courage to speak out at a time when it was almost unimaginable in Spain.

Source: Variety