Description
JOSEP MARIA FORN
Book Summary
This book provides an exhaustive portrait of Josep Maria Forn, one of the most veteran and iconic directors of Catalan cinema. Through previously unpublished information and the active collaboration of the filmmaker himself, the work explores his career from the late 1940s, highlighting his struggle against Francoist censorship and his firm commitment to a distinct Catalan cinema. The reader will discover the intricacies behind the production of key films such as La piel quemada and Companys, procés a Catalunya, as well as Forn’s fundamental role as a producer and mentor to new generations. The volume is complemented by a DVD featuring commented excerpts from his entire filmography.
What is it about?
The work offers a detailed biography of Josep Maria Forn, a filmmaker who knew how to adapt to the most adverse conditions without compromising his convictions. It delves into his tenacious ten-year battle against Francoist censorship to film La respuesta, and his work as a promoter of historical memory through cinema after the Franco regime. The book also analyzes his facet as a producer at P. C. Teide, where he provided opportunities to young directors, and his role in the production of the legendary La ciutat cremada. Through a constant dialogue between the author and the subject, viewpoints are contrasted and previously unknown aspects regarding the making of his films and the context of Spanish cinema at the time are revealed.
Main themes
- The life and professional career of Josep Maria Forn as a director and producer.
- The struggle against Francoist censorship in cinema during the dictatorship.
- The construction of an independent Catalan cinema with its own identity.
- The recovery of historical memory through cinema after the Franco era.
- Patronage and support for new film talent through independent production.
Who is it recommended for?
This book is aimed at cinephiles and film historians interested in the history of Spanish and Catalan cinema. It will also be of great value to audiovisual communication students and industry professionals who wish to learn firsthand about the intricacies of film production under adverse conditions. Furthermore, it is essential reading for those who wish to delve into the figure of a tireless fighter for freedom of expression and historical memory.
What this book offers
- Previously unpublished, firsthand information provided directly by Josep Maria Forn on the creative process of his films.
- A detailed analysis of the evolution of Spanish cinema since the late 1940s, seen through the experience of an exceptional witness.
- Complementary audiovisual material on DVD that allows viewers to watch excerpts of his work with commentary by the director himself.
- A unique perspective on the fight against censorship and the defense of cinema with its own identity.
Technical specifications
- Author: COMAS AMENGUAL, ANGEL
- Publisher: COSSET·NIA
- Language: cat
- Subject: BIOGRAPHY: BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY, BIOGRAPHY: ART AND ENTERTAINMENT
- Collection: PERFILS
- Binding: Paperback
- Edition date: February 2012
- Number of pages: 408
- Weight: 893 g
Editorial Review
This biography stands as a reference work for understanding not only the figure of Josep Maria Forn, but also a fundamental part of the history of cinema in Catalonia. The added value of the subject's active participation and the audiovisual material on DVD make it a documentary piece of great interest. Its reading is especially recommended for those looking for a rigorous, firsthand account of the struggle for cinema committed to historical memory and cultural identity.