THE SPANISH ACTRESS RECEIVES THE CIUDAD DE HUESCA CARLOS SAURA AWARD AT THE 53RD HUESCA INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
THE GOYA-WINNING PERFORMER EXPRESSES OPTIMISM ABOUT THE SPACES WOMEN ARE GRADUALLY OCCUPYING IN THE AUDIOVISUAL INDUSTRY, WHILE RECOGNIZING THAT SIGNIFICANT INEQUALITIES STILL EXIST
Irene Escolar recibe el Premio Ciudad de Huesca Carlos Saura
Madrid-born actress Irene Escolar, known for one of the most solid and internationally promising careers in the Spanish audiovisual scene, has been awarded the Ciudad de Huesca Carlos Saura Prize at the 53rd Huesca International Film Festival. “I received the news of this award with great excitement, very unexpectedly. But then I started looking up the previous recipients, and of course, there are some huge names—people I deeply admire—and it carries Carlos’s name,” she said during a press conference at the Provincial Government of Huesca.
An accomplished film, theater, and television actress from a renowned family of actors, Escolar reflected on her journey: “I’ve been very lucky, I’ve worked with people who opened many doors for me and gave me incredible experiences. But at the same time, there’s still a path I want to begin—I suppose that’s partly because when you start so young, something inside you evolves. I feel there’s been a shift in me, and I’d like that to be reflected in my work.”
Marking 21 years since her acting debut in El séptimo día (The Seventh Day), based on the Puerto Hurraco events and directed by Carlos Saura himself, she stated, “That shoot taught me the importance of relaxation, improvisation, and being present. There’s something in our work that’s about being open and available, and that was a very important lesson—to be ready for whatever is asked of you and to allow yourself to play with it.”
On working with Saura, she recalled: “He loved it when actors improvised, and I find it beautiful when someone has faith in actors doing their job—it doesn’t always happen. He really cared for actors and let us play. We were three girls acting—I was 14—and what we wanted most was to play.” She also emphasized that many scenes in El séptimo día are filled with freshness and joy thanks to the atmosphere Saura created with his team.
Accompanied by festival director Estela Rasal, Irene Escolar expressed optimism about the increasing presence of women in the audiovisual industry. “Things have changed a lot in the past five years, and I believe we just have to keep talking about it. This conversation needs to remain at the forefront for real progress to happen. There are still many inequalities, though now there’s less fear in speaking out—and that alone is a big step.”
With a filmography nearing 50 titles, she spoke about upcoming projects, including the second season of the series La Ruta, “one of the best audiovisual experiences I’ve had,” in which she will play both a mother and a daughter. Other upcoming work includes the release of the film Ariel, directed by Lois Patiño, and the stage production People, Places & Things with Pablo Messiez, which centers on an actress undergoing substance rehabilitation. She also shared her keen interest in continuing to develop projects through creative production, saying, “I really enjoy building things, working collectively, and collaborating with other creative disciplines.”
The Huesca Film Festival also honors the Venice International Film Festival with the Pepe Escriche Award, represented by Cesare Bisantis and Claudia Gioia. The Teatro Olimpia, which celebrates its 100th anniversary in 2025, will receive the Danzante de Honor, recognizing its cultural significance in the city.
