Is a fictionalized 25 minute film about a Basque/American woman, Begonya, who while visiting her family in Euskadi with her husband and new born child meets an American who fought side by side with her grandfather.
While visiting her grandfather’s grave she encounters an American Brigade’s Veteran, played by the late, John Randolph, who volunteered as a soldier during the Spanish Civil War, and was a comrade of her grandfather during the 1940's when Republicans fought against Fascism and Spain's dictator, Francisco Franco. Coincidentally, John is standing before his old Basque friend's tomb paying his respects when they meet at the cemetery.
Begonya, wanting to learn about her grandfather takes John for a walk through Gernika. They visit the old symbolic sacred oak tree, and together they ride the train for a lunch at Begonya's family home in a two hundred year-old caserio, secluded up in the Pyrenees mountains. John revisits for a precious moment, a time in his youth historically courageous and meaningful when he felt most alive, and determined to fight for democracy.
Written, directed and performed by Begonya Plaza
Director of Photography: Aitor Mantxola
Starring: John Randolph, Kontxi Orbegozo, The Orbegozo Family, Xano Armenter, Caterina Armenter and Begonya Plaza
With archival footage of the Spanish Civil War bombings, courtesy of Basque Government.
For all inquiries: begonya@begonyaplaza.com