The anticipation around the 39th Goya Awards is palpable, as the prestigious Spanish film event approaches, set to take place this February 8, 2025. Among the leading contenders is the newly released film 'Soy Nevenka', directed by noted filmmaker Icíar Bollaín. This poignant work not only highlights the historic case of Nevenka Fernández but also emphasizes the importance of recognizing women's voices against institutional power.
'Soy Nevenka', which premiered on Movistar Plus+ on February 7, dives deep to explore the harrowing narrative of Nevenka Fernández, who made headlines nearly two decades ago as the first Spanish woman to publicly accuse her male superior of sexual harassment. The film stars Mireia Oriol as Nevenka and Urko Olazabal portraying Ismael Álvarez, the accused former mayor of Ponferrada. The public's memory of this case has been reinvigorated as the film arrives with four Goya nominations: Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Actor for Olazabal, Best New Actress for Lucía Veiga, and Best Cinematography by Gris Jordana.
Nevenka Fernández, then just 24 years old, was working as the councilor of finance for the city of Ponferrada when she faced relentless harassment from Álvarez. According to the official plot synopsis, after enduring both professional and personal assaults, Nevenka bravely decided to speak out against her abuser, fully aware of the societal backlash she would face. "Her environment did not support her, and the media subjected her to public judgement," explains the film's description. This situation foreshadowed the broader societal movements against harassment, paving the way for the #MeToo movement even before its inception.
The film is inspired by Juan José Millás's book 'Hay algo que no es como me dicen', and it not only recounts the harassment Nevenka encountered but also reflects on the significant challenges she faced from the public and the media. Bollaín, who has previously won acclaim for her direction, brings this sensitive narrative to life with the weight and depth it deserves. Critics have praised her for steering clear of sensationalism, opting instead for authenticity and emotional resonance.
Reflecting on the story, Icíar Bollaín stated, "Urdaci opened the news with the phrase ‘trifulca sentimental en Ponferrada,’ showcasing the society of the time, which trivialized serious allegations." This comment underlines the struggle Nevenka faced, as the societal stigma made her battle against powerful forces not just personal but reflects larger issues of gender dynamics and power struggles at play within Spain.
Mireia Oriol, who plays Nevenka, met with the real Nevenka Fernandez to prepare for her role, aiming to capture the true essence of her character's experience. "I empathize deeply with Nevenka’s story, and it was immensely important for me to portray her accurately, reflecting her vulnerability and strength," Oriol shared.
Conversely, Urko Olazabal found the task of embodying the character of Ismael Álvarez to be challenging. "We knew we had to go beyond imitation; we were tasked with portraying the very nature of psychological abuse within such dynamics," he noted, expressing the complexity of creating their respective characters.
The film not only navigates Nevenka's harrowing path to justice but also the broader cultural commentary on how society responds to such events, highlighting the difficult transition from victim to warrior for justice. The stark contrasts between how Nevenka was treated and how her abuser was defended open discussions about accountability and compassion within communities.
'Soy Nevenka' seems to serve as both a historical recounting of specific events and as a contemporary statement on support systems for victims of abuse. It encapsulates the struggles faced by many women even today when they challenge powerful figures. With the Goya awards approaching, this film is poised to spark conversations across Spain about the long-fought battle for women's rights and dignity.
Currently streaming on Movistar Plus+, 'Soy Nevenka' is more than just another film; it's part of the cultural discourse surrounding harassment and gender equity and stands as proof of how far society still has to go. The Goya nominations serve as reminders of the industry's acknowledgment of these persistent issues, showcasing how the powerful medium of film can champion social change.
Whether or not it wins any awards, 'Soy Nevenka' has undeniably struck chords with audiences, encouraging them to reflect deeply and converse about pressing social issues. From Nevenka's courageous act of standing against her abuser to the artistic storytelling by Bollaín, the film is prepared to leave its mark on audiences and inspire future generations to remain vigilant against injustice.