New Movies: I Am Nevenka (2024) by Icíar Bollaín
- dailyentertainment95
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I Am Nevenka (2024) by Icíar Bollaín: The First #MeToo
Description: "I Am Nevenka" (Spanish: Soy Nevenka) is a powerful Spanish biographical drama, directed by Icíar Bollaín, that revisits a landmark sexual harassment case from early 21st-century Spain. The film tells the true story of Nevenka Fernández, a young municipal councillor who, in 2001, courageously reported sexual harassment by her employer, the mayor of Ponferrada, Ismael Álvarez. It chronicles her harrowing experience and the immense societal backlash she faced as she paved the way for future discussions on workplace misconduct and gender-based violence in Spain.
Link IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt30973261/
Link Review: https://cineuropa.org/en/newsdetail/467483/
Link to watch: https://www.justwatch.com/fr/film/im-nevenka (France)
Detailed Summary: Set in the late 1990s and early 2000s, "I Am Nevenka" introduces Nevenka Fernández, a bright and ambitious young woman who is offered a significant political opportunity as the finance councillor in Ponferrada's city council. Despite her initial excitement, she soon finds herself targeted by the powerful and charismatic mayor, Ismael Álvarez. What begins as seemingly inappropriate insinuations escalates into relentless sexual harassment, psychological manipulation, and public humiliation. The film meticulously details the insidious nature of the abuse and the devastating toll it takes on Nevenka's mental health and self-worth. Surrounded by a culture of silence and complicity from colleagues and even family members who discourage her from speaking out, Nevenka feels increasingly isolated. With the support of her boyfriend, Lucas, she eventually makes the difficult decision to break the silence and file a complaint against the mayor, despite knowing the immense personal and professional cost. The narrative then follows the public trial, which garnered intense media scrutiny and sparked widespread controversy across Spain, depicting how Nevenka had to confront not only her abuser but also a society largely unwilling to believe or support her. The film highlights her resilience in the face of public shaming and professional ostracization, ultimately depicting her groundbreaking, albeit personally costly, victory in the courtroom.
Plot Summary:
Nevenka Fernández, a young, capable woman, becomes a municipal finance councillor in Ponferrada, Spain.
She is subjected to persistent sexual harassment, psychological manipulation, and public humiliation by Mayor Ismael Álvarez.
Colleagues and family members initially discourage her from reporting the abuse due to the mayor's power and influence.
The harassment severely impacts Nevenka's mental and emotional well-being.
With the support of her boyfriend, Nevenka decides to file a complaint against the mayor, risking her career and reputation.
A highly publicized trial ensues, where Nevenka faces significant public scrutiny and a hostile environment.
Despite immense backlash and societal pressure, Nevenka wins her case against the mayor.
The victory, though groundbreaking, leads to further personal and professional repercussions, forcing Nevenka to leave the country.
Director's Vision: Icíar Bollaín aims to shed light on a pivotal moment in Spanish history, often referred to as Spain's "first #MeToo" case, long before the term was coined. Her vision is to place the audience "under the skin of the victim," allowing viewers to feel the despair, shame, and emotional burden of sexual harassment. Bollaín focuses on the psychological toll of the abuse and the immense courage it took for Nevenka to stand up to a powerful abuser in a society that was not yet ready to fully understand or support victims of sexual harassment. While depicting the public and legal aspects, the film prioritizes Nevenka's subjective experience and her fight for dignity and self-worth, making it less of a courtroom drama and more of a character study centered on resilience and pioneering strength.
Themes:
Sexual Harassment and Workplace Misconduct: The core theme revolves around the insidious nature of sexual harassment in the workplace, particularly when perpetrated by someone in a position of power, and its devastating psychological impact on the victim.
The Power of Speaking Out: The film emphasizes Nevenka's bravery in breaking the silence, highlighting the monumental courage required to confront an abuser and a society that often discredits victims.
Societal Backlash and Victim Blaming: "I Am Nevenka" vividly portrays the public scrutiny, media manipulation, and victim-blaming that Nevenka endured, reflecting the deeply ingrained societal prejudices against those who challenge powerful figures.
Institutional Complicity and Silence: The film suggests a culture of silence and implicit complicity within the political and social structures, where individuals hesitate to intervene or support the victim due to fear or perceived self-interest.
Dignity and Self-Worth: At its heart, the film is a story about Nevenka's fight to reclaim her dignity and self-worth in the face of relentless abuse and public humiliation.
Pioneering a Movement: Nevenka's case is presented as a foundational moment that predates and paved the way for broader conversations and movements against sexual harassment, like #MeToo, in Spain.
Key Success Factors:
Compelling True Story: The film is based on a real-life, high-profile case that resonated deeply within Spanish society, lending it inherent dramatic weight and public interest.
Strong Lead Performance: Mireia Oriol's portrayal of Nevenka Fernández is highly praised for capturing the character's vulnerability, anguish, and eventual strength.
Sensitive and Timely Subject Matter: The film tackles sexual harassment and victim-blaming, issues that remain incredibly relevant and resonate strongly with contemporary audiences, particularly in the wake of the #MeToo movement.
Icíar Bollaín's Direction: Bollaín's experience in crafting character-driven dramas with social commentary allows her to handle the sensitive material with nuance and emotional depth.
Historical Significance: By depicting Spain's first major sexual harassment conviction against a politician, the film offers valuable insight into a crucial moment of social change.
Summary Short: "I Am Nevenka" recounts the true story of Nevenka Fernández, a Spanish municipal councillor who, in the early 2000s, bravely sued her mayor for sexual harassment, enduring intense public backlash but ultimately achieving a landmark victory that foreshadowed the #MeToo era.
Awards and Nominations: "I Am Nevenka" has garnered several significant nominations and awards, highlighting its impact and critical recognition:
San Sebastián International Film Festival (2024): Nominated for the Golden Seashell, Won the Euskadi Basque Country 2030 Agenda Award.
International Film Festival of India (2024): Nominated for the Golden Peacock.
Forqué Awards (2024): Nominated for Cinema and Education in Values.
Feroz Awards (2025): Nominated for Best Main Actor in a Film (Urko Olazabal).
CEC Medals (2025): Nominated for Best Adapted Screenplay (Icíar Bollaín, Isa Campo), Best Actor (Urko Olazabal), Won Best New Actress (Lucía Veiga).
Goya Awards (2025): Nominated for Best Adapted Screenplay (Icíar Bollaín, Isa Campo), Best Actor (Urko Olazabal), Best New Actress (Lucía Veiga), Best Cinematography (Gris Jordana).
Actors and Actresses Union Awards (2025): Nominated for Best Film Actor in a Leading Role (Urko Olazabal), Won Best Film Actress in a Minor Role (Esther Isla).
Platino Awards (2025): Nominated for Film and Values Education.
Critics Reception: Critics generally commend "I Am Nevenka" for its important and timely subject matter, as well as its strong performances, particularly from Mireia Oriol. The film is often praised for its sensitive handling of the victim's experience and its depiction of the societal pressures Nevenka faced.
IMDb user reviews (Overall Summary): The general sentiment leans positive, with many users praising the film for its important story and strong performances. Reviewers frequently highlight Mireia Oriol's compelling portrayal of Nevenka and Urko Olazabal's effective depiction of the mayor. Some critics, however, express disappointment, feeling that the film doesn't delve deeply enough into the legal or societal complexities, or that it lacks the raw intensity they expected from such a harrowing true story. There are also comments that it feels more like a TV movie to some.
The Reviews Hub (Richard Maguire): Praises the film for tackling a "scandal that rocked the country" and Mireia Oriol's "excellent" performance. However, it notes that the film, while effectively charting Nevenka's harassment, "very little of the film shows her fight for justice in the courtroom," and the ending feels "confused, fudged almost." It contrasts the film with "Marco: The Invented Truth," which was "cooly objective," suggesting I Am Nevenka could have benefited from more detachment in its courtroom depiction.
HuffPost (Marina Prats): Describes "Soy Nevenka" as a "reconciliation with the first MeToo of the Spain that shouts "se acabó" (it's over)," suggesting the film serves as a crucial historical and social reckoning.
Kinoafisha: Notes that the film "allows the viewer to feel the despair, the shame and the emotional cost that sexual harassment entails, and at the same time shows the courage and determination it takes to stand up to a powerful abuser."
Reviews (Overall Summary): Overall reviews suggest that "I Am Nevenka" is a necessary and impactful film that courageously brings a significant true story to the screen. While lauded for its central performances, particularly Mireia Oriol's, and its emotional portrayal of the victim's journey, some critics found its procedural aspects less developed or felt it could have been more incisive in its exploration of the judicial process or societal structures. Nevertheless, its critical reception indicates it's a valuable contribution to the conversation around sexual harassment and a tribute to a pioneering figure.
Box Office: As of current information, "I Am Nevenka" has a worldwide box office gross of approximately $1,757,946. This includes an opening of $109,317 in 82 theaters in France.
Production: "I Am Nevenka" is a Spanish co-production. The film is based on real events, drawing from the book "Hay algo que no es como me dicen: el caso Nevenka Fernández contra la realidad" by Juan José Millás and "El poder de la verdad" by Nevenka Fernández herself. The production aimed for an authentic portrayal of the time period and the emotional journey of Nevenka. The film was shot in various locations, including Bilbao, though the actual events took place in Ponferrada.
Production Companies:
Kowalski Films (Spain)
Feelgood Media (Spain)
Nva Peli AIE (Spain)
Movistar Plus+ (Spain)
Sales Companies:
Film Factory Entertainment (Spain) - Handles international sales.
Distribution Companies:
Buena Vista International (Spain) - For theatrical release in Spain.
Epicentre Films (France) - For theatrical release in France.
Release Date on Streaming: The online premiere date for "I Am Nevenka" is scheduled for March 4, 2025.
Theatrical Release:
Spain: September 27, 2024
France: November 6, 2024
Why to Recommend This Movie:
Essential True Story: It's a compelling and highly relevant true story about courage and justice that deserves to be seen and discussed.
Powerful Performance: Mireia Oriol delivers a poignant and convincing portrayal of Nevenka, making her struggle palpable and relatable.
Explores Important Societal Issues: The film tackles sexual harassment, victim-blaming, and institutional failures with sensitivity and insight.
Historical Significance: It sheds light on a landmark case that profoundly impacted the discourse on gender-based violence in Spain.
Thought-Provoking: "I Am Nevenka" prompts reflection on societal attitudes, the resilience of survivors, and the ongoing fight for workplace safety and respect.
Why to Watch Movie:
If you are interested in true crime dramas that offer social commentary: The film goes beyond a simple retelling of facts to explore the human cost and societal impact.
If you appreciate strong female-led narratives: Nevenka's journey is one of immense strength and serves as an inspiration.
To understand the historical context of the #MeToo movement: The film offers a glimpse into a time when speaking out against powerful abusers was even more challenging.
For a nuanced portrayal of sexual harassment: The film doesn't sensationalize but rather illustrates the slow, psychological erosion caused by the abuse.
To witness a pivotal moment in Spanish legal and social history: Nevenka's case truly marked a turning point.
What Movie Trend Film is Following:
"Justice-Seeking Biopics" / "Courageous Survivor Narratives": "I Am Nevenka" aligns with the trend of biographical films that highlight individuals who, against immense odds, stood up for justice or became symbols of resilience against abuse. This often involves shining a light on previously overlooked or misunderstood historical figures and their significant contributions to social change.
What Big Social Trend is Following:
"Accountability for Abuse of Power" / "The #MeToo Movement and its Global Impact": The film directly resonates with the ongoing global social trend demanding accountability for those in positions of power who perpetrate abuse, particularly sexual harassment. It reflects the post-#MeToo era's heightened awareness and scrutiny of such behaviors, and the increasing willingness of society to believe and support victims. Nevenka's story, pre-dating the global movement, serves as a powerful historical precursor to this very current and critical social conversation.
Final Verdict: "I Am Nevenka" is a vital and moving film that serves as a powerful testament to the courage of a woman who dared to challenge a powerful man and a resistant society. Icíar Bollaín skillfully brings Nevenka Fernández's harrowing experience to the screen, creating a film that is both a gripping drama and an important historical document. While it may not delve into every legal intricacy, its strength lies in its empathetic portrayal of the victim and its unflinching look at the devastating consequences of sexual harassment and the formidable obstacles faced by those who speak out. It's a film that resonates deeply with contemporary issues and stands as a poignant reminder of the enduring fight for dignity and justice.
Recommendations for Filmmakers:
Focus on the Human Experience in True Stories: When adapting true events, prioritize the emotional and psychological journey of the central characters. This can make a potentially dry historical account much more engaging and impactful for the audience.
Show, Don't Just Tell, the Societal Resistance: Instead of simply stating that society was unsupportive, depict the subtle and overt ways in which Nevenka faced ostracization, disbelief, and manipulation, making the audience feel her isolation.
Utilize Strong Lead Performances: Casting a talented actor capable of conveying complex emotions is crucial when the film's success heavily relies on the protagonist's internal struggle.
Balance Historical Accuracy with Narrative Flow: While faithfulness to facts is important, filmmakers should feel empowered to make narrative choices that enhance the dramatic impact and emotional resonance, especially when exploring a complex and sensitive subject.
Contribute to Social Dialogue: Choose stories that resonate with contemporary social issues. Films that address topics like abuse of power, gender inequality, or systemic injustice can serve as powerful tools for sparking important societal conversations.
Recommendations for Movie Industry:
Support Stories of Courage and Resilience: Continue to fund and produce films that highlight individuals who have overcome significant adversity, particularly those who have challenged powerful systems or oppressive norms. These stories are inspiring and contribute to social awareness.
Prioritize Films Addressing Social Issues: The industry should recognize the value of films that tackle sensitive and timely social issues, as they can educate, provoke thought, and contribute to cultural change.
Promote Diverse Perspectives: Encourage more films that tell stories from underrepresented perspectives, particularly those of women and marginalized groups, to ensure a richer and more inclusive cinematic landscape.
Engage with the Subject Matter Ethically: When dealing with true stories, especially those involving trauma, it's crucial to approach the material with respect and sensitivity, avoiding sensationalism and prioritizing the victim's experience.
Leverage Global Distribution: Films like "I Am Nevenka" demonstrate the appeal of local stories with universal themes. The industry should continue to facilitate international distribution to ensure these important narratives reach a wider audience.