November (2003 film)

November (Noviembre) is a 2003 Spanish film directed by Achero Mañas, who also co-wrote the screenplay. Its cast features Óscar Jaenada, Ingrid Rubio, Juan Díaz, Adriana Domínguez, Javier Ríos, Nuria Gago, Juanma Rodríguez, and Jordi Padrosa.

Set from 1997 to 2040, against the backdrop of the plight of a street theatre troupe, the plot explores the relationship between spectators and performers, the commercialization of art, and the revolutionary potential of theatre.

Plot
Impelled by a spirit which still preserves a patina of idealism, Alfredo arrives in Madrid intent on creating "a performance which is more free, straight from the heart, capable of making people feel alive". His concept of what theater should be begins beyond the stage, out in the streets face to face with the public.

Outdoors, in any town square, in a park or in the city's most commercial street, Alfredo and his troupe NOVEMBER start the show: demons to provoke passers-by, displays of social conscience, actions taken to the extreme to put the forces of law and order on full alert. There are no limits, no censorship; only ideas which are always valid so long as the public ceases to be the public and becomes part of the show swept by surprise, fear, tears or laughter.

Reception
November screened at the 28th Toronto International Film Festival in September 2003. It was released theatrically in Spain on 26 September 2003.

Reception
Jacob Neiiendam of ScreenDaily deemed November to be a "well-acted and great looking film" yet also ultimately failing "to make its story and characters engaging.

Accolades

 * align = "center" | 2003 || 2003 Toronto International Film Festival || colspan = "2" | FIPRESCI International Critics' Award || Won ||
 * rowspan = "3" align = "center" | 2004 || rowspan = "3" | 18th Goya Awards || Best New Actor || Óscar Jaenada || Nominated || rowspan = "3" |
 * Best Costume Design || Nereida Bonmati || Nominated
 * Best Makeup and Hairstyles || Karmele Soler, Francisco Rodríguez || Nominated
 * }
 * Best Costume Design || Nereida Bonmati || Nominated
 * Best Makeup and Hairstyles || Karmele Soler, Francisco Rodríguez || Nominated
 * }
 * }