Joaquim Jordà i Català, a highly acclaimed and respected figure in the world of Catalan cinema, was born on August 9, 1935, in the charming town of Santa Coloma de Farners, a place that would later serve as a source of inspiration for his creative endeavors.
As a filmmaker, screenwriter, and translator, Jordà's professional journey was marked by a deep commitment to his craft, and he was widely recognized for his innovative and thought-provoking works.
In the 1960s, he became an integral part of the School of Barcelona, a prestigious institution that fostered a new generation of talented filmmakers.
During his time at the School, Jordà gained widespread recognition for his groundbreaking film "Dante is not only severe," which he co-directed with the renowned filmmaker Jacinto Esteva in 1967.
The remarkable career of Jordà i Català has been marked by a profound influence on the documentary film genre, with a string of notable works that have left an indelible mark on the world of cinema. Among his most acclaimed creations are "Numax presents..." (1980),a groundbreaking film that set the tone for his future endeavors, and "Mones com la Becky" (1999),a critically acclaimed masterpiece that earned him widespread recognition and accolades. Additionally, his poignant and thought-provoking documentary "De Nens" (2003) further solidified his position as a master of his craft.
His dedication to his craft has been richly rewarded, with a plethora of prestigious awards and accolades bestowed upon him by esteemed institutions. The Generalitat de Catalunya, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the world of cinema, honored him with the National Cinema Award in 2000. Similarly, the Ministry of Culture of Spain, in a testament to his enduring impact on the cinematic world, bestowed upon him the National Cinematography Award in 2006. These accolades serve as a testament to his unwavering passion and commitment to his art, and cement his status as a true legend in the world of cinema.
In the year 2004, filmmaker Jordà i Català embarked on a journey to revisit and re-examine one of his most significant and groundbreaking works, a film initially shot in 1979, titled "Numax presents...". This film, which had been produced at the initiative of the Workers' Assembly of the Númax appliance factory, located in the heart of Barcelona's vibrant Eixample district, marked a pivotal moment in Jordà i Català's career as a filmmaker.
Twenty years had passed since the initial release of "Numax presents...", and Jordà i Català saw fit to revisit this seminal work, bringing together the very same workers who had self-managed the factory, thereby creating a poignant and powerful cinematic experience that would serve as a testament to the enduring legacy of this remarkable film.
The re-released film, now titled "Twenty years are nothing", served as a testament to Jordà i Català's unwavering commitment to his craft, as well as his ability to craft powerful and thought-provoking cinematic experiences that continue to resonate with audiences to this day.
Jordà i Català's revisitation of "Numax presents..." not only served as a tribute to the workers who had self-managed the factory, but also underscored the significance of this film in his own personal and professional journey as a filmmaker.
In revisiting this film, Jordà i Català was able to reflect on the profound impact that "Numax presents..." had on his career, as well as the enduring relevance of its themes and messages.
The re-release of "Twenty years are nothing" served as a powerful reminder of the lasting power of cinema to capture and convey the human experience, and Jordà i Català's continued dedication to his craft served as a testament to the enduring importance of storytelling in our lives.
