El Bola

Achero Mañas  |  88 min  |  Spain  |  2000  |  Drama  |  15  

A lonely boy living with a painful secret. El Bola is a gripping coming-of-age drama that explores the quiet strength of a child growing up in a difficult environment and the transformative power of friendship that can set him free.

Twelve-year-old Pablo, nicknamed “El Bola,” lives under the shadow of his father’s abuse, keeping his home life hidden from classmates. His world begins to shift when he befriends Alfredo, a new student whose warm, open family offers a stark contrast to Pablo’s own. Through this newfound connection, Pablo is confronted with a different way of living and begins to find the courage to face his fears.

Directed by Achero Mañas, El Bola marked his debut feature and earned four Goya Awards, including Best Film and Best New Director. Mañas, a former actor, brings a raw, empathetic lens to the story, drawing from his own artistic background and personal experiences. The film’s portrayal of domestic violence and childhood trauma makes it a standout example of Spanish social realism. Gritty yet full of heart, it sits comfortably alongside films like Sweet Sixteen, La Haine, and Girlhood in its honest depiction of youth on the margins.

In Spanish with English Subtitles

Doors open at 7.45pm and the film starts at 8.00pm