Cinema is full of hidden treasures, and a new Basque nugget from the 80s has just been rediscovered, ready to captivate moviegoers in search of authenticity and emotion. This film, long in the shadows, offers a unique look at a bygone era, while highlighting the cultural richness of the Basque Country. With its singular aesthetic and poignant narrative, this work promises to seduce nostalgic and new viewers alike. Immerse yourself in this fascinating universe where tradition and modernity meet, and discover why this film deserves a place in the pantheon of cinema.
The protagonists and genre of “Los aitas
In “Los aitas”, Quim Gutiรฉrrez and Juan Diego Botto play fathers facing the challenges of fatherhood in a comedy by Borja Cobeaga. Set in the 1980s, the film explores father-child relationships with humor and sensitivity, while highlighting the evolution of parental roles across generations. Unlike other works of its kind, “Los aitas” stands out for its historical setting and male perspective, in which the fathers must accompany their daughters to a rhythmic gymnastics championship in Berlin. This unique approach highlights societal and family changes, offering a reflection on the transition from absent to involved father.
Borja Cobeaga and his innovative approach
Borja Cobeaga, known for his biting comedies such as “Fe de etarras” and “Negociador”, ventures into a new sub-genre with “Los aitas”. The film explores father-child relationships without the intervention of mothers, an unusual perspective in today’s cinematic landscape. Inspired by the growing popularity of this theme, notably thanks to Santiago Segura, Cobeaga chooses to set his story in the 1980s, an era marked by traditional family dynamics. By portraying fathers unenthusiastic about their parental responsibilities, he offers a reflection on the evolution of fatherhood, from a distant model to a more committed role, while retaining his distinctive humorous style.
Historical and social context of the 1980s
The 1980s, a period of economic and social transition in Bilbao, provide the backdrop for “Los aitas”. This decade, marked by a more pronounced machismo than today, saw the emergence of significant changes in parental roles. The film illustrates a time when fathers, often disconnected from their children, began to take on more family responsibilities, not least because of economic upheavals such as factory closures. This context had a profound influence on the dynamics of fatherhood, shifting from a traditional model to a more active, if sometimes awkward, involvement of fathers. “Los aitas” captures this transformation with humor, while highlighting the persistent challenges of parental equality.
