Ravalejar: First Spanish Series Premieres at Berlinale Special Section

The series *Ravalejar*, created and co-directed by Pol Rodríguez alongside Isaki Lacuesta, has premiered at the Berlinale in the official Special Series section, marking the first Spanish production selected for this category. The first two episodes screened at the festival, with directors and much of the cast in attendance, including Enric Auquer, María Rodríguez Soto, Sergi López, Francesc Orella, Lluïsa Castells, and Quim Àvila.

Produced by Arcadia, the series draws from Rodríguez's own experiences to craft a realistic thriller set in Barcelona's El Raval neighbourhood, which serves as a central character in the story. It features a large ensemble cast, with additional roles filled by Noa Guillén, Alba Guilera, and a special appearance by Marc Martínez. To heighten authenticity, the production incorporated street casting, bringing in performers like Noor Ul-Huda and Mohamed Ben Moula, as well as non-professional extras from the neighbourhood itself.

The plot revolves around Can Mosques, a historic restaurant facing eviction after its building falls into the hands of an international investment fund eager to speed up urban redevelopment in the area. The owning family, initially resigned to their fate, rallies neighbourhood support to fight back. Their resistance spirals into increasingly dangerous territory, pushing them to cross unthinkable boundaries to save the business.

Filmed largely in Catalan, the series also includes dialogue in Spanish, Arabic, Urdu, and English. Most locations are in El Raval and other parts of Barcelona. HBO Max will add *Ravalejar* to its catalogue in May, with the platform highlighting its Berlinale milestone.