“Burn!” and “Zelig”, in the Filmoteca

Over a year ago this month, the Filmoteca de Catalunya inaugurated the series 1714: History and Identity, a selection of films united by a dual common denominator. On the one hand, the series was an attempt to portray world events at the very moment when the troops of Philip V of Spain were laying siege to Barcelona, from the summer of 1713 to the summer of 1714. On the other hand, the series was designed to offer cinematographic alternatives relating to the concept of identity in the broadest sense of the word.

The latter of these, identity, is what inter-relates the two final films in the series, Burn! and Zelig. The first is an Italian film directed by Gillo Pontecorvo in 1969 and approaches the subject of colonialism. Set in the beginning of the 19th century, when the slaves of a sugar cane plantation on a Caribbean island rebel against the Portuguese with the aid of the English, who wish to gain control of the sugar market.

Zelig, on the other hand, is one of Woody Allen’s most critically acclaimed films. Made in 1983, this mock documentary tells the story of a human chameleon who surprised North American society. Zelig’s need for acceptance leads him to transform himself physically into those who surround him and converts him into a media sensation.

The Filmoteca de Catalunya will screen Burn! on the 3rd of September at 5 pm and on the 7th at 7.30 pm. Zelig can be seen on the 13th and 16th at 9.30 pm. Tickets are priced at 4 euros.