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Between negatives and forgotten reels: the Lorca that no one had seen
The world of vintage photography continues to reveal secrets that connect us to seemingly forgotten eras and lives. Each negative, daguerreotype, or photographic print is much more than an image; it is a silent testament to the history, society, and culture of its time.
A surprising cinematic discovery has revealed more than 1,500 previously unseen films of Federico García Lorca. The discovery was made by filmmaker Manuel Menchón, whose film *La voz quebrada* (The Broken Voice) will premiere next year.
The film reels were stored in the Menéndez-Pidal family home, inside a tin marked with the initials “FGL.” This archive offers a unique opportunity to approach the poet and playwright from a fresh perspective, revealing previously unknown facets of his life and surroundings. Beyond their historical value, these discoveries prompt cultural reflection: photography, from its inception, has not only been a means of preserving memories, but also a tool for constructing identity and narrating personal and collective histories. In a world saturated with digital images, looking at these old photographs reminds us of the patience, care, and intention behind each shot.
The private archive where these collector's items were found contains 1,500 tapes shot between 1915 and 1970, of great value since, until now, only two recordings of García Lorca were known. The footage, which shows the poet with La Barraca, will be part of the documentary *La voz quebrada * (The Broken Voice), scheduled for 2026, and has been restored in high resolution. Manuel Menchón is keeping the plot of the documentary a closely guarded secret, but anticipation is high, given that the production is being handled by the same company behind hits like * Mientras dure la guerra* (While at War), *Truman* , and *Relatos Salvajes* ( Wild Tales).
