Women are a growing part of the re-enacting movement in Spain.

This is day four of the trip and I have just returned from Viver.  I arrived late last night and met up with Kristian and a few others at a restored trench and tunnel fortification outside of town on a hilltop.  We stayed there until one am under a full moon having a fine dinner of Serrano and tomato sandwiches with red wine and beer.  Lodging was at a boarding school dorm constructed with typical Spanish Bauhaus austerity.  The bunks where welcoming and I slept like a log from our 3 am arrival until the rude 7:30 am wake-up call.  Alas, life in the army.

Today I shot five hours of footage with my new cameraman Francisco Gramaje Calatayud.  A competent and very professional shooter making his first forays into the documentary world.  Once he got used to the idea of no re-takes we where doing fine.  He shot on a Z1U and I did some second unit on my A1U.  Events commemorated the 70th anniversary of the successful defense of Valencia along Linea XYZ, in which Viver played a central role.  

The battle drew a crowd

The days events included a presentation in front of the Ayuntamiento with parade through the town and an exhibition of life in the trenches.  Lunch followed, a very welcome arroz al horno.   In the afternoon we had a brief return to the trenches during which I interview Kristian, and my new friend, Titus.  What a character!  Watch for a profile of Titus soon.   The afternoon’s activities included a “battle” in the town park between republican regulars and requetes, with traca effects and masclet hand grenades (These are typical Spanish fireworks).    The day’s events ended with a ceremonial presentation of arms to the opposing sides and the now traditional group hug.  There was a good crowd and fun was had by all. 

This is my blog for Remember Spain:  Conversations From the Front Lines of an Un-forgotten War.  I’m using this site to chronicle my thoughts, ideas and experiences, and also to test designs and architecture in preparation for the official launch this fall.  I’m heading for Spain on July 15th and will be shooting interviews, events, and locations throughout the country.  I will post updates as I go.  

This is primarily a video documentary project, so you can expect to see videos appearing here soon.  I encourage you to give me your feedback on those and anything else I post here.  Finally, a primary goal of this project is to stimulate dialogue on the recovery of Spain’s historical memory.  I invite all comments, suggestions or submissions that you may have.

Sincerely,

James Mercé Edwards