The course approaches Spanish national cinema as well as transnational/foreign productions related, in a variety of ways, to Spanish culture. The goal is to show how both local and global films shape diverse visions of Spanish history, art and society while constructing inspiring dialogues with above mentioned areas of art/knowledge. Interactions between cinema and canonic works of Spanish culture (Don Quixote, Don Juan, the paintings of Picasso) are contrasted and the relationship between films and Spanish history (Civil War, Columbus?s travels, Spanish transition) is examined. The diversity within Spanish society, representations of the current economic crisis, effects of globalization on both local cinema and real life are studied through the works of young authors (Lacuesta, Vermut). All filmic examples are also used to analyze the concept of Spanish identity and stereotypes related to Hispanic culture.