‘The Dinner’ (“La cena”), a Spanish period comedy set shortly after the Spanish Civil War, is set to be screened in New York as part of the New Spanish Films program following its successful run in Spain and recognition at the 2026 Goya Awards. Produced by Cristóbal García at La Terraza Films and led by actors Mario Casas and Alberto San Juan, the film debuted in Spain on October 17, 2025, achieving a box office gross of €3.7 million ($4.3 million) with attendance exceeding 600,000, according to Comscore data provided by Spain’s ICAA film institute.
Directed by Manuel Gómez Pereira, the movie is set in 1939 Madrid where a group of defeated Republican chefs are compelled to prepare a banquet for Franco and his generals amid plans to escape. The film’s narrative weaves tension and comedy against the backdrop of the political transition, exploring themes of survival and defiance during a fraught historical moment.
At the 2026 Goya Awards, ‘The Dinner’ secured eight nominations, including best picture, and won two awards for adapted screenplay—credited to Joaquín Oristrell, Manuel Gómez Pereira, and Yolanda García Serrano—and costume design by Helena Sanchis. This project represents one of Gómez Pereira’s most prominent commercial ventures in recent years, marking a return to the spotlight for the veteran Spanish director known for works like “All Men Are the Same” and “Queens.”
Production was a collaboration among Spanish and French companies, with La Terraza Films collaborating alongside Turanga Films, Sideral Cinema, Entre Medina y Genaro AIE, and French partner Halley Production. International sales are managed by Film Factory Entertainment.
The film has maintained strong interest beyond the theatrical release, with continued positive reception on streaming platforms. Producer Cristóbal García emphasized that the film’s success was driven by its unique blend of comedy and drama, coupled with an unapologetic anti-war message that resonated with audiences. He highlighted the film’s ability to offer an entertaining yet meaningful look at a complicated historical period, distinguishing it from typical comedies.
“The Dinner” will be screened on April 19 at the Village East by Angelika Cinema in New York, followed by a discussion featuring García. The New Spanish Films program, organized by Spain’s Academy of Cinematographic Arts and Sciences alongside the ICAA and ICEX, aims to promote Spanish cinema internationally.
García noted that, while the film’s theatrical run was largely complete by the time of the Goya nominations, the awards helped enhance its profile on streaming platforms and confirmed the industry’s appreciation for comedy as a valued genre. He expressed optimism about introducing the film to new international audiences and welcomed initiatives supporting the global circulation of Spanish films.
By combining a period setting with universal themes and a mix of suspense and humor, ‘The Dinner’ exemplifies contemporary Spanish cinema’s capacity to engage both domestic and international viewers with compelling storytelling rooted in historical context.
