99 Years of Pere Portabela Film Anniversary Screening of *Vampir Kvadekuk*

FILM ANNIVERSARIES: 99 years of Pere Portabela — birthday screening of the film "Vampir Kvadekuk"

Wednesday, February 11, 2026, at 18:00 - DOB//Klub

Pere Portabela is a Catalan director who will turn 99 on February 11, 2026. Although not among the most famous Spanish directors like Luis Bunuel, Carlos Saura, or Pedro Almodovar, his influence on Spanish and Catalan cinema is significant. Among other things, he was the one who suggested to Luis Bunuel to film "Viridiana" in Spain, which, despite the fear of censorship, was successfully realized in 1960 after being shown at the Cannes Film Festival and winning the Palme d'Or, leaving an indelible mark on Spanish and world cinema.

In addition to the film "Viridiana", Portabela produced films by other significant authors during the 1960s, such as Carlos Saura and Marco Ferreri. A man of very progressive political views, Portabela, as a director, made several significant films over several decades, among which stands out "Vampir Kvadekuk", a documentary film made in 1971 as the "making of" horror film by Jess Franco, "Count Dracula", starring Christopher Lee, which was being shot in Spain at that time. The term "kvadekuk" in Catalan means "worm's tail", and in film jargon, it refers to the unexposed remnants of the film reel left at the end of each film roll. Portabela used the discarded materials from the film to deconstruct the horror genre, demystifying it on one hand and sending a clear and unequivocal message criticizing the authoritarian regime of General Francisco Franco on the other. This film is now considered one of the most successful avant-garde documentary films of the second half of the 20th century, with its, as New York Times critic J. Hoberman defined, unusually "ghostly" character that leaves no one indifferent.

After General Franco's death and the return of democracy in Spain, Pere Portabela became a senator and devoted himself to a political career. After 2000, he made several significant films, including his last film "The Silence Before Bach" (2007), an exceptional work that visualizes Bach's music in a very original way.

On the occasion of the 99th birthday of this significant director, on February 11, 2026, a special screening of the film "Vampir Kvadekuk" will be held at the Belgrade Youth Center. Before the film screening, Vladimir Sojat, a film editor, producer, and video artist, will hold a lecture on Portabela's work, featuring excerpts from his most significant films.

Free entrance.

ABOUT THE "FILM ANNIVERSARIES" CYCLE

During 2026, the Belgrade Youth Center presents the "Film Anniversaries" cycle, inviting the audience to experience film not only as entertainment but also as a space for learning, exchange, and critical thinking. Through screenings and lectures, the cycle connects the history of cinematography with the contemporary social and cultural context, shedding light on key authors, cult films, and important milestones in film art. The program particularly nurtures the film literacy of young people, encourages curiosity, dialogue, and reflection on art, society, and history. We will mark significant film anniversaries and milestones of cinema icons, with special attention given to cult personalities and events that have shaped modern culture. This cycle is not just a look back but also an invitation to actively watch and reflect on film today, confirming the role of the Belgrade Youth Center as a meeting place, a place of learning, and dialogue — a key cultural institution for young people and all film enthusiasts.