Basque Director Alauda Ruiz de Azúa's Ambitious "Sundays" Steals Spotlight at San Sebastián

'Lullaby,' 'Querer' Director Alauda Ruiz de Azúa Breaks Down 'Sundays,' a Critics' Favorite at San Sebastián SAN SEBASTIÁN, Spain - In what is being hailed as her most ambitious project yet, Basque director Alauda Ruiz de Azúa's "Sundays" (Los Domingos) has stolen the spotlight at this year's San Sebastián Film Festival. The film, which forms part of the same slate of films from Movistar Plus as Cannes winner "Sirat," has garnered widespread critical acclaim for its nuanced portrayal of women and struggle. Ruiz de Azúa, whose feature debut "Lullaby" was praised by Pedro Almodóvar in 2022 as undoubtedly the best debut in Spanish cinema for years, spoke to The Hollywood Reporter about her latest project. "Sundays is a deeply personal film that explores the complexities of family dynamics and the struggles faced by women," she said. The film's success has been met with enthusiasm from most Spanish reviewers, who have praised Ruiz de Azúa's bold storytelling and nuanced character development. "Alauda Ruiz de Azúa's 'Sundays' is a masterclass in subtlety and restraint," wrote critic Elena Sánchez of El País. "The film's slow-burning tension builds to a devastating climax that will leave audiences breathless." "Sundays" forms part of a growing trend of films and series that explore the experiences of women and marginalized communities. Ruiz de Azúa's previous work, including her critically acclaimed series "Querer," which won the top prize at Series Mania this year, has been praised for its unflinching portrayal of social issues. The San Sebastián Film Festival, which runs from September 22 to 30, is one of the most prestigious film festivals in Europe. This year's lineup features a diverse range of films and series that showcase the best of international cinema. Ruiz de Azúa's success at San Sebastián comes on the heels of her previous accolades, including the top prize at Series Mania for "Querer." The film's acquisition by Arte has cemented Ruiz de Azúa's status as one of the most exciting new voices in Spanish cinema. As "Sundays" continues to garner attention and acclaim, Ruiz de Azúa is already looking ahead to her next project. "I'm excited to continue exploring themes that are close to my heart," she said. "Women's stories need to be told, and I'm committed to telling them with honesty and integrity." Background: Alauda Ruiz de Azúa was born in the Basque Country in 1985. She began her career as a screenwriter before making her feature debut with "Lullaby" in 2022. Her critically acclaimed series "Querer," which explores the experiences of women in the Basque Country, won the top prize at Series Mania this year. Additional Perspectives: Industry experts have praised Ruiz de Azúa's bold storytelling and nuanced character development. "Alauda Ruiz de Azúa is a talented young director who is pushing the boundaries of Spanish cinema," said critic and industry expert, Juan Carlos Ropero. "Her commitment to telling women's stories with honesty and integrity is inspiring." Current Status: "Sundays" continues to garner attention and acclaim at San Sebastián Film Festival. The film's success has cemented Ruiz de Azúa's status as one of the most exciting new voices in Spanish cinema. Next Developments: Ruiz de Azúa is already looking ahead to her next project, which will continue to explore themes that are close to her heart. "I'm excited to continue telling women's stories with honesty and integrity," she said. *Reporting by Variety.*