The 19th International Film Festival Kino Otok - Isola Cinema created the first diverse international group of Young Programmers during its festival days in Izola. The group of young people of different ages and nationalities consisted of high school and university students from Slovenian region of Istria and the capital Ljubljana, as well as Italy. They watched five films from the official festival programme, had daily intense discussions, and at the end of the festival, selected the film To Books and Women I Sing / A los libros y a las mujeres canto by María Elorza, (Spain, 2022) for Kino Istra - Otok Institute's year-long program of screenings in towns and villages of Slovenian Istria without cinemas. They prepared promotional materials, such as video, in which people explained about their favourite books, a film poster, catalogue text, and made live introduction of the film before the screening.

Text by: Irene Pessot, Tarek El Daccache, Miriam Osele

To Books and Women I Sing, a debut film by María Elorza, takes us on a heartfelt exploration of the intricate relationship between women, literature, and identity. This film resonates deeply within us, stirring a sense of wonder and appreciation for the transformative nature of literature. It is a celebration of the intense impact that culture brings to our lives.

With a touch of humor, the film presents a varied group of women sharing their unique stories. The viewers delve into the places that house literature, such as libraries, and explore the artistic mediums that intersect with it - music, cinema, painting - and how they shape our perception of the world. The attention given to graphics and editing left us speechless, this film has almost the atmosphere of a fairy tale, also due to the use of drawings and the division of the story into chapters. Through the words of these women, we explore different aspects of their lives, touching upon the themes of family, social status, desire and friendship. Each story sheds light on the captivating world of books and the profound impact they have on our existence.

As the women recount their experiences, we understand the revolutionary role of literature in shaping their identities and challenging social norms. The deliberate choice to focus solely on female characters is far from coincidental. In fact, the film serves as a reminder of how literature has not always been readily accessible to women. With a historical and feminist perspective, it boldly asserts the significance of culture in women's lives through the stories of the relationships between books and the women it introduces us to. While men have always had plenty of chances, books have been women's only weapon, often considered too dangerous and therefore hindered.

This unique film is a beautiful and moving homage to the stories that shape us, the images that live within us, and the art that helps us navigate life. Prepare to be captured by this cinematic journey that invites viewers to embrace the transformative power of literature, explore the richness of cinematic expression, and reflect upon the intricate interplay between art and our lived experiences. Elorza’s work left an indelible mark on our hearts and inspires a deeper appreciation for the stories we encounter through the act of reading. We hope it will be the same for you to watch!