Terrorism and documentary cinema in contemporary Spain

This essay considers how Spanish documentary films produced between 2001 and 2005 deal with ETA's terrorism. Some of these films focus on people who have suffered terrorism and have been long forgotten. Using narrative modes ranging from the conventional to the experimental, they show the difficulties of these ruined lives and the complexity of portraying the condition of the victim. The Basque Ball aims at a general vision of the Basque conflict and presents itself as an invitation to dialogue. This essay argues that far from being an impartial film, it reinforces myths and images dear to Basque nationalism, and unveils the difficulties and conflicts that will arise once terrorism has completely disappeared.