Seniors get steamy as Spanish film fest swelters, si for yourself

Presented by Palace Cinemas, the festival will screen in cinemas throughout the country in June and July.

It will feature the very best of modern Spanish and Latin American cinema, along with some enduring classics.

This year's special presentation selection compiles a number of female led films which explore themes of liberation, sexuality and empowerment - several of which follow the journeys of older women.

Comedic but sensual drama Mamacruz stars Kiti Manver as a religiously devout woman who rediscovers the transformative power of sensuality in late middle age.

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Memories of a Burning Body channels the voices of three senior women in a heartfelt drama exploring pleasure and desire.

This year's festival centrepiece is The Teacher Who Promised the Sea. Winner of the audience award at this year's Gaud Awards, the film stars Enric Auquer and Laia Costa and recounts the true story of a teacher who brought progressive teaching methods to a small village in 1930s Burgos.

The opening night selection is The Movie Teller. Directed by award-winning director Lone Scherfig, the film follows a woman's coming-of-age in a Chilean mining town. It stars Berenice Bejo, Antonio de la Torre, Daniel Bruhl and talented newcomer Alondra Valenzuela.

Closing out the festival will be avant-garde classic The Holy Mountain. Celebrating its 50^th anniversary, the film was famously funded by John Lennon and Yoko Ono. It depicts a mesmerising journey through a series of bizarre and symbolic experiences, delving into themes of spirituality, enlightenment and the quest for transcendence.

The program also includes a showcase of films from and about legendary artist Salvador Dali, short films, new Spanish Cinema selections and Spanish blockbusters.

Spanish Film Festival, June and July. For more information visit www.spanishfilmfestival.com.