Silent Film 'Castigo de Dios' Brings Llucena's Past to Life

Llucena, Spain, witnessed a significant cultural event on June 7th, 2025, with the premiere of the restored silent film 'Castigo de Dios' (1925). This film, a treasure of Valencian cinema, offers a unique window into the life of the town a century ago. The film's rediscovery is a testament to the dedication of individuals like Joan Martínez Fontanet, who found the film and facilitated its restoration. "It's a magnificent thing that a new digital restoration has been done," said Marta Garcia, a professor at the University of Valencia, highlighting the rarity of surviving Valencian films from that era. The screening, presented by Inma Trull, head of Film Archive Recovery at the Valencian Film Library, featured live piano accompaniment by Arcadi Valiente, specially composed for the film. The event was a resounding success, drawing a large audience eager to witness a piece of their town's history come alive. The double screening underscores the significance of this cultural recovery and the enduring interest in local heritage.