World Book and Copyright Day 2023

As the UNESCO web page explains, the 23^rd April is a symbolic date in world literature. It is the date on which several prominent authors – William Shakespeare, Miguel de Cervantes and Inca Garcilaso de la Vega – all died. As a result, this date was a natural choice in order for UNESCO to pay a worldwide tribute to books and authors, encouraging everyone to access books.

This photo has been borrowed from the UNESCO web page. UNESCO is the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation. 

This year, on 23^rd April, UNESCO  has decided to focus on indigenous languages in order to link the power of literature and storytelling with the International Decade of Indigenous languages (2022-32).

Why should we care so much about this date? Because we are indebted to “the power of literature”, which is one of the most fruitful, reliable and creative sources which film-makers can resort to in order to make their films. Books of all types are a source of inspiration for screenwriters, directors and the film industry as a whole.

As usual, I encourage you to make the most of this day: there are lots of ways of celebrating it, so it´s up to you. The usual ways which are associated with this red-letter day are well-known but remember, by deciding to watch a film which has been inspired by a previously written story, you´ll be celebrating this day, too.

Make the most of this BOOK DAY!!

Celebrating animated films

I feel like looking back and paying attention to the last Oscar Awards ceremony, which took place last month, on 12^th March. I could comment on the fact that this year´s ceremony – the 95^th edition of the Academy Awards – has celebrated diversity in a way that is not so usual, however, that hasn´t been the only thing that has grabbed our attention. This ceremony has also focused on the importance of animated films which, for a long time, have been underrated. Pinocchio, Guillermo del Toro´s last film is a good example of how quality, depth and good storytelling are as closely bound up with animated films as they are with ordinary films featuring human beings. In short, disregarding an animated film just for the sake of being one is not an option any more. Next time you go to your local cinema, watch out for the last animated films which have been released, you may discover that they are not just intended for young audiences.

We may think that we learnt the lesson about animated films a long time ago but the fact that this year´s edition has paid so much attention to them seems to prove us wrong.

By the way, this year we mark the 100^th anniversary of the Hollywood sign, a sign that is associated not only with the City of Los Angeles but with the world of cinema as a whole.