Ep 159: Discussing gender identity, family and more with the director of 20,000 Species of Bees

With Anna Smith for this episode is writer and director Estibaliz Urresola Solaguren who talks about her debut feature 20,000 Species of Bees, and film critic Larushka Ivan-Zadeh to further discuss all that is explored in the beautiful and sensitive coming of age tale.

The tender, heartfelt drama centres on actor Sofía Otero, who won the Silver Bear for Best Leading Performance at 2022’s Berlin Film Festival for her depiction of a transgender eight-year-old girl during a family holiday in the Basque Country. The return to her mother’s hometown throws up questions of identity and belonging for not only our protagonist, but also the family that surrounds her with their own complexities and crises.

First Anna Smith talks to fellow female film critic Larushka Ivan-Zadeh, discussing the characterisation of identity and the skilful handling of a complex issue through a lightness of touch. The film features stunning central performances not only by the young star Sofía Otero but also Patricia López Arnaiz who plays the distracted but loving mother and a further brilliant ensemble. Anna is then joined by writer and director Estibaliz Urresola Solaguren who gives us further insight into the inspiration for the work, and the impact of place in the symbolism of the film.

You can watch 20,000 Species of Bees from the 27th of October in UK cinemas or at home with Curzon Home Cinema.

Other films mentioned in this episode include:
Cuerdas, 2022, Estibaliz Urresola Solaguren

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Girls On Film is an HLA production.

Host: Anna Smith
Executive Producer: Hedda Archbold
Producer: Lydia Scott
Audio editor: Emma Butt
Intern: Charlotte Matheson
House band: MX Tyrants

This episode is in partnership with Curzon Film.