Hybrid Entertainment (Firm)

In a world plagued by stolen elections, secret government agendas, and a renewed interest in the exploitation of African natural resources, what value does democracy offer, particularly in the tumultuous region of West Africa? For Ghana, a nation that has been Africa's barometer of political stability, democracy may mean the difference between peace and prosperity-and murderous chaos under military coup.. An African Election is a remarkable documentary...

In 1936, a cadre of military generals launch a coup, seeking a return to a more traditional Spain. In Barcelona, the coup is repelled, with the help of armed workers and anarchists, leading to a short-lived anarcho-syndicalist revolution in the city. The larger war, however, pitting Nationalist Rebels against Republicans, will rage for three long years, and cost hundreds of thousands of lives.

The second half of the Franco dictatorship earned the nickname "Dictablanda" because it was perceived as less harsh than the first 20 years. However, as the 1960s begin, Barcelona, and indeed, all of Spain, seems frozen in time. Political pluralism and the Catalan language are outlawed. Yet, by the end of 1975, Franco is dead, and the people are becoming increasingly restless for change.

Post-war Barcelona is a dark, ominous place. Famine is rampant. Jails are filled to capacity. The Catalan language, flags and cultural symbols have been banned. Even the city's soccer team, Barça, is forced to change its name. Members of the losing side of the Civil War, the Republicans, are now considered enemies of the state, and face a gauntlet of reprisals under the new regime.

Barcelona, at the start of the 20th century, is experiencing unprecedented growth, annexing neighboring villages, building more factories and inspiring a wave of immigration from within Spain. Significant events include Tragic Week, the rise of anarcho-syndicalist labor unions, the creation of a Commonwealth of Catalunya, and a military coup that results in Spain's first 20th century dictatorship.

The transition to democracy was a success, and Spain is, once again, experiencing a period of democratic rule. However, a failed coup serves as a glaring reminder that not everyone is happy about it. Barcelona, meanwhile, wins an Olympic bid. The victory is transformative, inspiring myriad infrastructural changes, allowing the city to transition into the globally recognized city it is today.

Thanks to the towering success of the 1992 Summer Olympics, Barcelona has reached the world stage. Gains in tourism, industry, and real estate are keying unprecedented prosperity for the region. Yet, there remains a burning desire to exert more social and political control. The city is a hotbed of political and social action, putting it on a collision course with Spain's central government.