The Cultural Centre of La Villa will host the presentation of the short film directed by Javier Barbero on July 16, which recovers the memory of five locals who fought against the dictatorship from the underground.
Filmmaker Javier Barbero returns to La Rinconada with a new documentary project. 'Fighters for Freedom' will premiere on July 16 at 20:30 at the Cultural Centre of La Villa, with free entry by prior invitation.
The work gives a face to five locals from the municipality —Dolores Molina, Antonia Tobarias, Manuel Ardoy, Antonio Iglesias, and Carmelo Acuña— who defended freedom and democracy from the underground during the Franco dictatorship. Through their testimonies, the short film reconstructs a silenced part of local history.
Democratic memory from the local perspective
The project, promoted by the Culture Department of La Rinconada Town Hall, is part of the policies for the recovery of historical memory. Raquel Vega, First Deputy Mayor and Culture delegate, has emphasised that “this documentary not only rescues a part of local history but also pays tribute to those who fought in silence to conquer rights and freedoms that are now part of our daily lives.”
Vega insisted that it is “an exercise in democratic memory that invites us to know the past, value the sacrifices of those who came before us, and reflect on the importance of preserving freedom and civic participation for future generations.”
For the residents of La Rinconada, the premiere represents an opportunity to connect with their own history. Many of the protagonists are anonymous individuals who had barely shared their experiences until now. The short film highlights their struggle and that of many others who, from anonymity, contributed to building democracy.
Javier Barbero, a filmmaker close to the community
This is not the first time Barbero has collaborated with the local council. In 2024, he directed 'Life Stories', a short film that captured the testimonies of four people over 90 years old from the municipality, a tribute to the elderly and their contribution to local development.
Barbero, director, screenwriter, and editor, is characterised by an intimate and social perspective, with a particular interest in portraying old age and family relationships. In 2023, he won the Carmen Award for 'We Accompany Each Other', and in 2026 he won the same award again for his documentary short film 'Sisters'. He is also the director of 'Siembra' (2023), a fiction filmed during the orange harvest season in La Rinconada.
With 'Fighters for Freedom', Barbero strengthens his bond with the municipality and demonstrates that cinema can be a powerful tool to recover collective memory from a local and human perspective.
Free tickets and how to obtain them
Invitations to attend the premiere are already available. They can be requested through the website entradas.larinconada.es or in person at the Cultural Centre of La Villa, Monday to Friday from 10:00 to 13:00.
Seating is limited, so the organisers recommend reserving in advance. The event is on July 16 at 20:30 at the Cultural Centre of La Villa, a unique opportunity to learn firsthand about the stories of those who defended freedom in the darkest moments of our recent history.
The screening promises to be an emotional intergenerational encounter. The residents of La Rinconada will be able to recognise their own relatives or acquaintances on screen and reflect on the value of democracy. A cultural plan that, besides entertaining, invites contemplation.
You may also like
