Finding Altamira (2016)

Life and events of the man who realized one of the most important discoveries of the 19th century: Altamira's caves.

Director:

Hugh Hudson

Writers:

Olivia Hetreed, Olivia Hetreed

Stars:

Antonio Banderas, Clément Sibony, Rupert Everett

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Antonio Banderas	...	Marcelino
Clément Sibony	...	Émile Cartailhac
Rupert Everett	...	Monseñor
Javivi	...	Harlé (as Javivi Gil Valle)
Irene Escolar	...	María adulta
Pierre Niney	...	Paul Ratier
Nicholas Farrell	...	Vilanova
Allegra Allen	...	Young María Sautuola
Lluís Soler	...	Mero
Tábata Cerezo	...	Pasi
Golshifteh Farahani	...	Conchita
Chantal Garsan	...	Soprano
Concha Hidalgo	...	Marquesa
Katie Paterson	...	Carolina
Henry Goodman	...	De los Ríos

Storyline

Marcelino Sanz de Sautuola y de la Pedrueca, in 1868, accidentally discovered Paleolithic paintings with the help of a hunter named Modesto Cubillas inside Altamira's caves, located in Cantabria, north to Spain. Trying to expose their discovery to the academic world for that they study the paintings, Sautuola crashed against the skepticism and discredit of all experts, who claimed that the caves were false and the paintings made for the own Sautuola, in a effort to get rich. Looking for the truth, Sautuola was the rest of his life fighting to prove that those paintings were real, trying to restore his innocence from the accusations of falsehood launched against him.

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Plot Keywords:

cave | discovery | father daughter relationship | 19th century | spain | 

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Taglines:

Some secrets are too powerful to hide.

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Genres:

Drama | History

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Details

Official Sites:

Official site

Country:

UK France Spain

Language:

English

Release Date:

1 April 2016 (Spain)

Also Known As:

Finding Altamira

Filming Locations:

Castro Urdiales, Cantabria, Spain

Box Office

Budget:

€8,500,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend:

€444,107 (Spain), 1 April 2016, Limited Release

Company Credits

Production Co:

Mare Nostrum Productions, El Maestro de Altamira, A.I.E., Fox International Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

97 min

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

The movie is dedicated to José Antonio Lasheras, who was director of the Museum of Altamira since 1991 until his death at February 27, 2016 in a car accident.

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Goofs

At the end of the movie, it is said that Marcelino Sanz de Sautuola died in 1889. He actually died on June 2, 1888.

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Soundtracks

By the Grave
Composed by Mark Knopfler
cues published by Will D. Side Ltd/ Hornsall Brothers Music Ltd

User Reviews

Great Movie

I give this movie full marks. It may not be Lawrence of Arabia or a block buster but it is fine cinema nevertheless. For what the producers did with their budget and the location and interior shots - they did very well. One reviewer remarked that the movie did not credit the true discoverer of the cave. However if you watch carefully it is clear that credit is given to the huntsman who actually did find the entrance in 1858.

I enjoyed the production thoroughly. this is the perfect movie for those who enjoy historical drama. Well paced with great photography and great location sets. I have family in the film industry living in Hollywood and it is often a great battle between the corporate financiers who want as much sex and nudity with blond bimbos to boost sales and are constantly ruining potentially good cinema by inserting complete dross into otherwise good scripts. Good cinema is becoming rare. Someone has taken a punt on this movie and my bet is that it won't rake in millions - but it gets my vote and I loved it.

In May 2017 I will be visiting Altamira and will remember this movie and certainly want to read more about its discovery. Chris Lachman, Adelaide, Australia