Doentes

It tells the story of Valeriano and Cañete, two marked characters that complement and feed each other in a unique scenario, the Compostela of the fifties. The dismantling of the old Royal Hospital to transform it into a luxury hotel fills the streets of Santiago de Compostela with the sick, perpetual pilgrims and the poor. It happens that the night is black, like the future, like the hearts of men, like the country, and it becomes long, very long. Thus, a night of peaceful wandering turns into a mad race for survival of two strangers, friends in pain, who, unable to change the world, no matter how hard they try, struggle, at least, and with all their strength, to see it again tomorrow.

Directed by Gustavo Balza, Doentes leans on a strong ensemble — Antonio Durán 'Morris', Xosé Manuel Olveira, Álvaro Guevara — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.

The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about drama titles of 2011.