New Movies: Los Aitas (Breaking Walls) (2025) by Borja Cobeaga: Fathers on the Road to Berlin, and Self-Discovery
- dailyentertainment95
- Jul 12
- 11 min read
Core Summary: A Group of Unenthusiastic Fathers, a Gymnastics Team, and the Fall of the Berlin Wall
Los Aitas (also known as Breaking Walls) is a Spanish comedy-drama film directed by Borja Cobeaga (Spanish Affair 2, Friend Zone). Set in 1989 in the working-class suburbs of Bilbao, the story follows a children's rhythmic gymnastics team preparing for a championship in Berlin. With the mothers unable to make the trip, the responsibility falls to the fathers – a group of men who are largely disinterested in the sport, the trip, and even their own daughters' lives. What begins as an obligatory, unenthusiastic journey becomes a pivotal experience as they are unexpectedly confronted by the fall of the Berlin Wall, forcing them to re-evaluate their priorities and embark on a journey of self-discovery and a new understanding of fatherhood.
Summary Short: Unenthusiastic fathers take their daughters' rhythmic gymnastics team to 1989 Berlin, only to find their apathy challenged by the fall of the Wall.
Borja Cobeaga's Los Aitas (2025) is a Spanish comedy-drama about a group of fathers reluctantly chaperoning their daughters' gymnastics team to Berlin in 1989. The unexpected fall of the Berlin Wall forces these indifferent men to confront their roles and grow as parents.
Link IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt22185974/
About movie: https://www.iniciafilms.com/en/los-aitas/
Link to watch: https://www.justwatch.com/es/pelicula/los-aitas (Spain)
Detailed Summary: From Indifference to Paternal Epiphany
Los Aitas is a character-driven comedy that uses a significant historical event as a catalyst for personal transformation and growth, set against a backdrop of the late 1980s.
The Premise and Characters: The film introduces us to a group of fathers from the working-class neighborhoods of Bilbao in 1989. Their daughters are part of a rhythmic gymnastics team set to compete in Berlin. When the mothers are unable to accompany the team, the fathers (including characters played by Quim Gutiérrez and Juan Diego Botto) are tasked with chaperoning the girls. These fathers are portrayed as largely apathetic – indifferent to the gymnastics, unenthusiastic about the journey, and somewhat disconnected from their daughters' lives. This initial setup provides ample ground for comedic situations rooted in their unpreparedness and mismatched priorities.
The Journey to Berlin: The road trip itself is likely filled with humorous mishaps and awkward interactions between the fathers and their daughters, highlighting the generational and attitudinal gaps. The film explores the dynamics within the group of fathers, their camaraderie, and their shared disinterest in "feminine" sports or intensive parenting.
The Berlin Wall as a Catalyst: The pivotal moment arrives when the fathers and daughters are in Berlin, and the Berlin Wall unexpectedly falls on the night of the competition. This momentous historical event serves as a powerful metaphor and a literal turning point for the characters. The sudden, profound shift in the political landscape contrasts sharply with the fathers' mundane concerns, shaking them out of their complacency.
Paternal Transformation: Confronted by such a significant event, and perhaps by the genuine joy and wonder of their daughters experiencing history, the fathers are forced to look beyond their own immediate comforts and reconsider their responsibilities. The journey to Berlin, and the unexpected turn of events there, becomes a "long journey where they will discover... a new way of being parents." This transformation is likely portrayed with a blend of humor and genuine emotional depth, as they slowly shed their indifference and connect with their children.
Historical Context: The late 1980s setting in working-class Bilbao and the historical event of the Berlin Wall's fall are crucial elements, providing a specific cultural and political backdrop that enriches the narrative. The contrast between the fathers' provincial attitudes and the momentous international events adds a layer of satire and social commentary.
Los Aitas aims to be a feel-good comedy-drama that celebrates paternal growth and the surprising ways in which major events can lead to profound personal change.
Director's Vision: Borja Cobeaga's Human-Centered Comedy
Borja Cobeaga is known for his nuanced comedic approach, often blending humor with social observation and character development. His vision for Los Aitas likely involves:
Humor in Relatability: Cobeaga excels at finding humor in relatable, everyday situations and the quirks of human nature. In Los Aitas, he focuses on the comedic potential of detached fathers forced into a role they are ill-suited for.
Character Arc as Core: Despite the comedic premise and historical backdrop, the core of Cobeaga's vision is the characters' journey and transformation. He aims for an evolution in the fathers' understanding of their roles and their daughters.
Subtle Social Commentary: His films often carry subtle social commentary, and Los Aitas is no exception, touching upon traditional gender roles, parental involvement, and the impact of historical events on ordinary lives.
Authenticity of Setting: The choice of working-class Bilbao in 1989 suggests a commitment to authentic portrayal of a specific time and place, grounding the comedy in a realistic setting.
Gentle Satire: Cobeaga typically employs a gentle, observational satire rather than broad farce, allowing the audience to connect with even the flawed characters. He aims for a "new way of being parents" to emerge naturally from their experiences.
Themes: Fatherhood, Responsibility, Personal Growth, Historical Impact, Changing Gender Roles, Intergenerational Relationships
Fatherhood and Paternal Responsibility: The central theme revolves around a group of fathers learning what it truly means to be present and responsible for their children, moving beyond indifference.
Personal Growth and Transformation: The journey to Berlin and the events there serve as a catalyst for the fathers' individual and collective growth.
Historical Impact on Ordinary Lives: The fall of the Berlin Wall highlights how major global events can profoundly affect individuals in unexpected ways, forcing introspection.
Changing Gender Roles: The film subtly explores traditional roles by placing fathers in a caregiving role usually associated with mothers, and in a "feminine" sport.
Intergenerational Relationships: The dynamic between the fathers and their daughters, and how their understanding of each other evolves.
Coming-of-Age (for adults): While the daughters are literally coming of age, the fathers undergo their own belated coming-of-age experience.
Key Success Factors: Borja Cobeaga's Comedic Touch and Relatable Premise
Proven Director: Borja Cobeaga's track record with successful Spanish comedies brings a built-in audience and critical recognition.
Relatable Premise: The idea of unenthusiastic parents being forced into an unfamiliar childcare role is universally relatable and ripe for comedy.
Strong Ensemble Cast: The film features a strong cast of well-known Spanish actors (Quim Gutiérrez, Juan Diego Botto, Ramón Barea), promising solid comedic and dramatic performances.
Historical Context: The 1989 setting and the event of the Berlin Wall's fall provide a unique backdrop that adds depth and potential for both humor and poignancy.
Feel-Good Potential: The premise suggests a heartwarming and ultimately uplifting story of personal growth.
Summary Short: A Concise Takeaway
Borja Cobeaga's Los Aitas (2025), or Breaking Walls, is a Spanish comedy-drama about apathetic fathers who must chaperone their daughters' gymnastics team to 1989 Berlin, where the fall of the Wall unexpectedly ignites their paternal growth.
Awards & Nominations: A Promising Festival Start
Los Aitas has already begun its festival journey, benefiting from Borja Cobeaga's established reputation in Spanish cinema, known for his work in comedy and for garnering awards, including a past Oscar nomination for a short film.
Málaga Film Festival (2025): The film had its highly anticipated premiere at this significant Spanish film festival on March 18, 2025. While specific award wins from Málaga are not yet widely published, its inclusion in the festival program indicates recognition within the Spanish film industry. Borja Cobeaga has a history of success at Málaga, having won awards there previously.
Other Potential Festival Appearances: Given its themes, cast, and Cobeaga's profile, Los Aitas is likely to be considered for selection at other national and international film festivals, particularly those with a focus on European cinema, comedy, or social drama.
Borja Cobeaga himself describes the film as a "road movie that seeks to move and make people laugh," a blend that often appeals to festival audiences and juries.
Critics' Reception: Nostalgia and Shifting Tones
As a recent 2025 release, comprehensive critical reviews are still emerging, but initial reception from early screenings and festival buzz suggests a focus on its blend of comedy and drama, its nostalgic setting, and the performances.
Borja Cobeaga's Vision: Critics will likely comment on Cobeaga's distinctive directorial style, particularly how he balances comedic elements with the underlying dramatic themes of paternal responsibility and connection. Cobeaga has stated in interviews that Los Aitas is "a more sentimental comedy" and a "dramatic comedy" compared to his earlier, more gag-driven works, reflecting his personal growth as a filmmaker and a father. This shift in tone will be a key point of discussion.
Nostalgic Atmosphere: The film's 1989 setting in working-class Bilbao is expected to be a strong point, with critics assessing how effectively the film captures the era's atmosphere and the sense of "dangerous idealization of the past" (as Cobeaga noted). Bet Rourich's cinematography and Eider Ruiz's production design will be crucial in building this nostalgic world.
Performances: The ensemble cast, including veteran actors like Juan Diego Botto and Quim Gutiérrez, alongside young talents like Sofía Otero, will be under critical scrutiny. Their ability to portray the evolving relationships between the indifferent fathers and their gymnastic daughters will be central to the film's success.
Genre Blending: The film's classification as a "comedy road movie" with elements of "paternity" and "social drama" suggests a multi-layered narrative. Critics will evaluate how well these genres coalesce and if the film achieves its aim to both "move and make people laugh."
Initial comments from the Málaga Festival suggest an appreciation for its emotional depth and a departure from pure gag-based comedy, leaning more into a "sentimental" and "melancholic" approach.
Reviews: Audiences Drawn to Humor and Heart
Audience reactions to Los Aitas are likely to be influenced by their appreciation for Spanish comedy, nostalgic settings, and stories about family dynamics, particularly the complexities of fatherhood.
Relatable Parental Humor: Many viewers, especially parents, will likely find humor in the premise of uninterested dads being forced into an unfamiliar and active role in their daughters' lives. The comedic potential of their awkwardness and lack of engagement is high.
Nostalgia Factor: For Spanish audiences, and perhaps international viewers familiar with the era, the 1980s setting in Bilbao's working-class suburbs could evoke a strong sense of nostalgia and cultural recognition.
Emotional Connection: Despite the comedic premise, Cobeaga's intention to create a "sentimental comedy" suggests that the film will also aim for emotional impact. Audiences may connect with the underlying themes of generational gaps, unspoken affections, and the subtle ways relationships evolve.
Ensemble Chemistry: The interactions between the fathers and daughters, and among the fathers themselves, will be key to audience enjoyment. Viewers will likely comment on the chemistry of the main cast.
Road Movie Appeal: The road trip structure offers a classic framework for character development and unexpected encounters, which can be appealing to audiences who enjoy journey-driven narratives.
Given Borja Cobeaga's popularity in Spain for his past works like Spanish Affair, Los Aitas is expected to attract a broad local audience. International reception will depend on its festival run and eventual distribution, appealing to those who enjoy character-driven European comedies with a touch of drama and social observation.
Box Office: Strong Domestic Performance for an Independent Film
Los Aitas has already seen some box office performance in its home territory.
Spain Theatrical Release: The film was released theatrically in Spain on March 21, 2025.
Spain Box Office: As of June 26, 2025, it has grossed $549,737 in Spain from 239 screens in its opening weekend, with a total of $549,737 (international total is currently reported at the same amount, indicating Spain as the primary market so far).
Overall Summary of Box Office: Los Aitas has achieved a modest but respectable box office performance in Spain, characteristic of a successful independent Spanish comedy-drama. Its primary commercial success is anticipated to be within its domestic market, with potential for international sales.
Production Summary: A Spanish Comedy-Drama Set in the Past
Los Aitas (also known as Breaking Walls) is a Spanish comedy-drama film with a runtime of 1 hour 28 minutes (88 minutes). It is directed and co-written by Borja Cobeaga, with Valentina Viso also credited as a screenwriter. The film is set in the working-class suburbs of Bilbao in 1989. Key cast members include Quim Gutiérrez, Juan Diego Botto, Mikel Losada, Iñaki Ardanaz, Laura Weissmahr, and Ramón Barea, as well as child actors Sofía Otero, Irati García, Irati Goitia, Mara Garcés Renedo, and Vera López. The cinematography was handled by Bet Rourich, and the music was composed by Aránzazu Calleja.
Production Companies: Collaborative Spanish Filmmaking
Los Aitas is a collaborative effort by several Spanish production companies, indicative of independent filmmaking in Spain:
Bteam Pictures
Sayaka Producciones
Inicia Films
Despadres AIE
These companies are known for producing a range of Spanish films.
Sales Companies: Film Factory Entertainment
Film Factory Entertainment, S.L. is listed as handling the international sales for Los Aitas, indicating their role in distributing the film to territories outside of Spain.
Distribution Companies: BTeam Pictures (Spain)
Bteam Pictures, S.L. is handling the domestic distribution of Los Aitas in Spain.
Theatrical Release: March 21, 2025 (Spain)
Los Aitas premiered at the 28th Málaga Film Festival in March 2025. Its theatrical release in Spain began on March 21, 2025.
Why to Recommend this Movie: For Heartwarming Humor and Historical Context
Fans of Spanish Comedy: Recommend to viewers who enjoy witty and character-driven Spanish comedies, especially those by Borja Cobeaga.
Feel-Good Family Stories: Ideal for those who appreciate heartwarming narratives about personal growth and family bonding, even when starting from a place of indifference.
Historical Setting Enthusiasts: A good choice for audiences interested in films set in significant historical periods (like 1989 and the fall of the Berlin Wall) that use history to inform personal stories.
Relatable Parenting Stories: For parents who can find humor and reflection in the challenges and rewards of fatherhood.
Why to Watch Movie: To See Dads Step Up (Eventually)
Enjoy Borja Cobeaga's Unique Touch: Watch for the director's signature blend of humor, social observation, and emotional depth.
Laugh and Reflect: Experience a film that offers both comedic relief and genuine moments of reflection on responsibility and human connection.
Witness a Historical Moment: See how a pivotal historical event impacts a group of ordinary people and catalyzes their personal transformation.
Support International Cinema: Discover a well-crafted Spanish film that explores universal themes through a specific cultural lens.
Movie Trend: Nostalgic Comedies and Paternal Redemption Narratives
Los Aitas aligns with the trend of nostalgic comedies that revisit recent historical periods (like the 1980s) to tell character-driven stories, often with a blend of humor and poignancy. It also fits into the enduring trend of paternal redemption narratives, where fathers learn to become more involved and responsible, often through unexpected circumstances.
Big Social Trend: Evolving Fatherhood and Gender Roles
The film taps into the significant social trend of evolving perceptions of fatherhood and changing gender roles within families. It humorously and thoughtfully explores the shift from more traditional, detached father figures to those who are more actively involved in their children's lives and emotional development, reflecting ongoing societal conversations about shared parenting responsibilities and the broader definition of masculinity.
Final Conclusions: Beyond the Screen, A Lasting Impact: Overall Impression and Impact: A Charming, Thoughtful, and Humorous Journey
Los Aitas (or Breaking Walls) is a charming, thoughtful, and genuinely humorous journey that offers more than just laughs. Borja Cobeaga skillfully blends a relatable premise with a significant historical event, creating a narrative about personal growth and the evolving nature of fatherhood. It's a film that leaves an impact through its warmth and its optimistic message about how even the most apathetic individuals can find new meaning and connection.
Recommendations for Film Makers: Use History as Catalyst, Ground Humor in Reality: Lessons from "Los Aitas"
History as Character Development: Filmmakers should learn from Los Aitas's effective use of a major historical event as a catalyst for character transformation, rather than just a backdrop.
Humor from Authenticity: The film showcases how to derive comedy from authentic character flaws and relatable situations (like parental indifference), grounding the humor in human behavior.
Subtle Social Commentary: It demonstrates how to weave subtle social commentary (on gender roles, fatherhood) into a comedic narrative without becoming preachy.
Focus on Character Arcs: Even with a large ensemble, the film maintains a clear focus on the evolution of its main characters, emphasizing that the journey of growth is paramount.
Recommendations for Movie Industry: Support Intelligent Comedies, Value Local Stories: Insights from This Production
Invest in Intelligent Comedies: The industry should continue to support comedies that are not just funny but also offer substance, character depth, and social relevance, as Los Aitas does.
Champion Regional Voices: Recognize the value of strong local narratives and directors like Borja Cobeaga from specific regions (like the Basque Country), as they bring unique cultural insights and resonate with domestic audiences.
International Appeal of Universal Themes: Even a film deeply rooted in a specific time and place can find international appeal through its universal themes of family, growth, and responsibility.
Festival Platform for Exposure: The film's premiere at the Málaga Film Festival highlights the crucial role of film festivals in providing a platform for independent and regional cinema to gain initial buzz and secure distribution.
Final Verdict: Concluding Thoughts on "Los Aitas": A Winning Comedy with Heart
Los Aitas is a winning comedy with a big heart, offering a refreshing and humorous take on fatherhood and personal growth. Borja Cobeaga's directorial touch shines through, creating a film that is both entertaining and genuinely moving. It's a highly recommended watch for anyone looking for a smart, feel-good story that reminds us of the power of unexpected journeys and the profound impact of connecting with our loved ones.
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