Astronauts (film)

Astronauts (Astronautas) is a 2003 Spanish film written and directed by Santi Amodeo which stars Nancho Novo and Teresa Hurtado de Ory. It could be classified as a bittersweet comedy.

Plot
The plot tracks the (im)possible relationship between Daniel (a misanthrope and recovering heroin abuser) and Laura (a teenager without a family who, initially bemused, ends up trying to fix Daniel's life).

Production
Astronauts is the solo debut feature of Santi Amodeo, who had previously co-helmed The Pilgrim Factor in tandem with Alberto Rodríguez. A Tesela PC and La Zanfoña production, it had the collaboration of Canal Sur and Canal+. In addition to Seville, shooting locations also included Los Alcornocales and the port of San Fernando. The film boasted a budget of around €1.6 million.

Release
The film was presented at the 48th Valladolid International Film Festival (Seminci) in October 2003. Distributed by Alta Classics, the film was theatrically released in Spain on 5 March 2004.

Reception
Casimiro Torreiro of El País deemed Astronauts to be "a film to be loved", "a rara avis of those that, with its flaws and imperfections, we wish we could watch more often".

Jonathan Holland of Variety deemed the film to be an "unpolished gem whose freshness and originality far outweigh its occasional indulgences".

Accolades

 * rowspan = "2" align = "center" | 2005 || rowspan = "2" | 19th Goya Awards || Best New Director || Santi Amodeo || Nominated || rowspan = "2" |
 * Best New Actress || Teresa Hurtado de Ory || Nominated
 * }
 * Best New Actress || Teresa Hurtado de Ory || Nominated
 * }