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Rafa Russo is an award-winning Spanish screenwriter and director. His debut feature film THE MAN WITH RAIN IN HIS SHOES, which starred Penélope Cruz, Lena Heady, Douglas Henshall, Elizabeth McGovern and Mark Strong, was awarded Best Screenplay at Montréal World FF, nominated for Best New Director at the 1998 Goya Awards and released internationally by Trimark Pictures. His second feature AUNQUE TÚ NO LO SEPAS, an adaptation of the short story by Almudena Grandes, premiered at the 48th San Sebastian FF and was awarded the 2001 CEC Award for Best Adapted Screenplay by the Spanish Film Writers’ Association. His next film AMOR EN DEFENSA PROPIA, which he also directed, was awarded Universal Studios’ 2002 funding award for a debut feature. It won Best Film at Alcalá de Henares International FF and Málaga Spanish FF.
He was twice-nominated for the 2003 Goya Award for Best Short Fiction for his short films HOY POR TÍ, MAÑANA POR MI (Álamo Films) and NADA QUE PERDER (Prosopopeya); the latter won the award after picking up more than 50 festival prizes internationally.
His screenwriting credits for television include an episode of award-winning police procedural EL COMISARIO (Telecino/Bocaboca/Estudios Picasso) and a trilogy of single films (Distinto Films/TVE/TV3), about the lives of pioneering Spanish feminists, which were broadcast on International Women’s Day 2011, 2012 and 2021 and received three nominations for the Gaudí Award for Best Television Film. His film about anarchist intellectual Federica Montseny won the award in 2021 and his film about politician, lawyer and women’s suffrage campaigner Clara Campoamor was nominated for the 2011 Prix Europa.
Alongside his work for film and television, Rafa is a successful songwriter and recording artist. His debut album A PETRIFIED FOREST (Conspiracy Records/Rough Trade) won plaudits at the NME and Melody Maker and caught the attention of legendary producer Mike Howlett, with whom he collaborated on his 1994 sophomore album DESPITE MYSELF (Mauve). Since then, he has released three more solo albums, scored a feature film and contributed original songs to another. His most recent album THIS STRANGE PLACE (Scratchy Records) was released in 2019. He has performed in the US, the UK and Europe and supported artists including John Martin, Tori Amos and Melissa Etheridge.
In 2009, he published his debut short story collection PISOS VACÍOS (Caballo De Troya/Penguin Random House).
Credits
Credits
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DateProduction (role)CompanyProject details
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Date: 2023Production (role): DEVOTION
(Devocíon)Company: 73140323PC [ES]Project details: WRITER / DIRECTOR. 82' romantic drama. Spanish-language. Premiered at Málaga Spanish FF 2023. Spanish theatrical release (CineAND Distribución).
Starring Joaquín Furriel, Elena Martínez -
Date: 2023Production (role): THE MOVIE TELLER
(La contadora de películas)Company: A Contracorriente Films [ES], Selenium Films [FR], Altiro Films [CL], Contadora Films [ES]Project details: WRITER. 116' comedy drama. Spanish-language. Premiered at TIFF 2023. Spanish and Chilean theatrical release (A Contracorriente Films).
Dir. Lone Scherfig
Co-wr. Walter Salles, Isabel Coixet
Based on the novel by Rivera Letelier
Starring Bérénice Bejo, Antonio de la Torre, Daniel Brühl, Sara Becker, Alondra Valenzuela -
Date: 2020Production (role): THE YEAR OF FURY
(El año de la furia)Company: Aliwood Mediterráneo Producciones [ES], Gonafilm [ES], Cimarrón Cine [UY]Project details: WRITER / DIRECTOR. 102' political thriller. Spanish-language. Premiered at TIFF 2020. Spanish theatrical release (Filmax).
Starring Alberto Ammann, Joaquín Furriel, Daniel Grao, Martina Gusman, Sara Sálamo, Maribel Verdú -
Date: 2019Production (role): REMEMBER MECompany: Create Entertainment [US], F Comme Film [FR], Kamel Films [ES], Lazonafilms [ES]Project details: WRITER. 88' romantic comedy. English-language. Featured on Franklin Leonard's Black List. International theatrical release (Universal Pictures, Alba Films, Filmax, Shochiku).
Dir. Martín Rosete
Co-wr. Martín Rosete
Starring Bruce Dern, Brian Cox, Caroline Silhol, Sienna Guillory, Brandon Larracuente -
Date: 2019Production (role): GET HER... IF YOU CAN
(¿Qué te juegas?)Company: Movistar Plus+ [ES], Ajedrez Para Tres [ES], Bowfinger International Pictures [ES]Project details: WRITER. 102' screwball comedy. Spanish-language. Premiered at Málaga Spanish FF 2019. Spanish theatrical release (A Contracorriente Films)
Dir. Inés de León
Co-wr. Pablo Alén, Breixo Corral, Astrid Gil-Casares
Starring Leticia Dolera, Amaia Salamanca, Javier Rey -
Date: 2015Production (role): JULIA'S DECISION
(La decisión de Julia)Company: Liquid Works [ES]Project details: WRITER. 85' drama. Spanish-language. Premiered at Valladolid International FF.
Dir. Norberto López Amado
Starring Marta Belaustegui, Josean Begoetxea, Fernando Cayo, Yolanda Ulloa
WINNER: 2015 Ourense Independent FF - Best Actress
WINNER: 2016 Toulouse Cinespaña - Best Cinematography
WINNER: 2016 Toulouse Cinespaña - Best Score
NOMINEE: 2016 Toulouse Cinespaña - Best Film -
Date: 2013Production (role): LET ME SURVIVECompany: Banana Films [BE], Delux Productions [LU], Happy Moon Productions [BE]Project details: WRITER. 95' true-story thriller. English-language. Premiered at International FF of India 2013. European premiere at Brussels International FFF 2014.
Dir. Eduardo Rossoff
Co-wr. Greg Latter, Eduardo Rossoff
Starring Craig Fairbrass, Kierston Wareing, Isabella Blake-Thomas -
Date: 2006Production (role): LOVE IN SELF DEFENCE
(Amor en defensa propia)Company: Mediapro [ES], NBC Universal [US]Project details: WRITER / DIRECTOR / COMPOSER. 100' romantic drama. Spanish-language. Premiered at Málaga Spanish FF 2006. Spanish theatrical release (United International Pictures).
Starring Ana Fernández, Gustavo Garzón, Andrés Gertrúdix, Manuel Morón, Ginés García Millán
WINNER: Universal Studios Awards 2002 - First Feature Film
WINNER: Alcalá de Henares International FF 2007 - Best Debut Film
NOMINEE: Málaga Spanish FF 2006 - Best Film -
Date: 2000Production (role): WHAT YOU NEVER KNEW
(Aunque tú no lo sepas)Company: Samarkanda [ES], Enrique Cerezo PC [ES]Project details: WRITER. 110' romantic drama. Spanish-language. Premiered at 48th San Sebastián International FF 2000. Spanish theatrical release (Wanda Visión)
Dir. Juan Vicente Córdoba
Co-wr. Juan Vicente Córdoba, Antonio Conesa, María Reyes Arias, José Manuel Benayas
Based on the short story by Almudena Grandes
Starring Silvia Munt, Gary Piquer, Andrés Gertrúdix, Cristina Brondo, Daniel Guzmán
WINNER: 2001 CEC Awards (Spanish Film Writers Association) - Best Adapted Screenplay -
Date: 1998Production (role): THE MAN WITH THE RAIN IN HIS SHOES
(Lluvia en los zapatos)Company: CLT [UK], HandMade Films [UK], Escima [ES], Mandarin Films [FR]Project details: WRITER / COMPOSER. 91' romantic comedy. English-language. Premiered at Sitges Catalan International FF 1998. International theatrical release (AMBI Group/Trimark Pictures).
Dir. María Ripoll
Starring Penélope Cruz, Lena Headey, Douglas Henshall, Mark Strong, Elizabeth McGovern
WINNER: 1998 Sitges Catalan International FF - Best Film
WINNER: 1998 Montréal World FF - Best Screenplay
WINNER: 1998 Seattle Women's FF - Audience Award
WINNER: 1999 Bogota FF - Best Film
NOMINEE: 2000 Goya Awards (Spanish Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences) - Best New Director
NOMINEE 2000 Imagen Foundation Awards - Best Film
NOMINEE: 1999 Puchon International FF - Best Film
NOMINEE: 1998 Montréal World FF - Grand Prix
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DateProduction (role)CompanyProject details
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Date: 2013Production (role): YOU & MECompany: Stromboli Films [FR]Project details: WRITER / DIRECTOR. 17' comedy drama. English-language.
Starring Anna Casas and Mark Schardan
WINNER: 2014 Medina Film Festival - Best Screenplay -
Date: 2002Production (role): NOTHING TO LOSE
(Nada que perder)Company: Prosopopeya Producciones [ES]Project details: WRITER / DIRECTOR. 21' drama. Spanish-language.
Starring Jorge Bosch, Pilar Punzano
More than 50 festival wins, including:
WINNER: 2003 Goya Awards (Spanish Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences) - Best Short Film -
Date: 2002Production (role): TODAY FOR YOU, TOMORROW FOR ME
(Hoy por ti, mañana por mí)Company: Producciones Álamo Films [ES]Project details: WRITER. 25' thriller. Spanish-language.
Dir. Fran Torres
Starring Fernando Cayo, Roger Pera
More than 20 festival wins, including:
NOMINEE: 2003 Goya Awards (Spanish Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences) - Best Short Film -
Date: 2000Production (role): THE COMPLIMENT
(El cumplido)Company: Esicma [ES], Morena [ES]Project details: WRITER / DIRECTOR. 20' romantic comedy. Spanish-language.
Starring Paulina Gálvez, Luis Tosar
WINNER: 2000 Elche FF - Best Short Film
WINNER: 2000 San Roque FF - Audience Award
WINNER: 2000 Lorca FF - Audience Award
WINNER: 2000 Aguilar de Campo FF - Best Actor
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DateProduction (role)CompanyProject details
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Date: 2021Production (role): FEDERICA MONTSENY, THE WOMAN WHO SPEAKS
(Federica Montseny, la dona que parla)
Company: TV3 / À Punt / IB3 Televisió / Distinto Films [ES]Project details: WRITER. 85' historical biopic. Catalan-language. Premiered on three Catalan-language broadcasters simultaneously to celebrate International Women's Day 2021.
Dir. Laura Mañá
Co-wr. Mireia Llinàs
Starring Màrcia Cisteró, Emilio Gutiérrez Caba
WINNER: Gaudí Awards (Catalan Film Academy) - Best Television Film -
Date: 2012Production (role): CONCEPCIÓN ARENAL, THE VISITOR OF PRISONS
(Concepción Arenal, la visitadora de cárceles)Company: TVE / TV3 / Distinto Films [ES]Project details: WRITER. 89' historical biopic. Spanish-language.
Dir. Laura Mañá
Co-wr. Laura Mañá
Starring Blanca Portillo, Mabel Rivera, Òscar Rabadán, Anna Casas,
NOMINEE: Gaudí Awards (Catalan Film Academy) - Best Television Film -
Date: 2011Production (role): CLARA CAMPOAMOR, THE FORGOTTEN WOMAN
(Clara Campoamor, La mujer olvidada)Company: TVE / TV3 / Distinto Films [ES]Project details: WRITER. 93' historical biopic. Spanish-language.
Dir. Laura Mañá
Co-wr. Yolanda García Serrano
Based on the novel by Isaías Lafuente
Starring Elvira Mínguez, Antonia de la Torre, Mónica López
NOMINEE: Gaudí Awards (Catalan Film Academy) - Best Television Film
NOMINEE: Prix Europa - Best Television Film -
Date: 2008Production (role): THE COMMISSIONER
(El comisario)Company: Telecinco / Bocaboca [ES] / Estudios Picasso [ES]Project details: WRITER. 1 episode. E13 S12. 60' police procedural. Spanish-language.
Dir. David Carreras
Starring Tito Valverde, Juanjo Artero, Marcial Álvarez, Jaime Pujol, Elena Irureta, Fernando Andina, Cristina Castaño
Nominated for 9 Iris Awards (Spanish Television Academy), winning three over the course of the series, including:
WINNER: 1999 Iris Award (Spanish Television Academy) - Best Fiction Programme
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DateProduction (role)CompanyProject details
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Date: 2019Production (role): THIS STRANGE PLACECompany: Scratchy Records [UK]Project details: COMPOSER / PERFORMER. 12-track album. Original compositions.
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Date: 2011Production (role): SUNKEN SHIPSCompany: Mondegreen Records [ES]Project details: COMPOSER / PERFORMER. 12-track album. Original compositions.
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Date: 2010Production (role): AMOR EN DEFENSA PROPIACompany: Mondegreen Records [ES]Project details: COMPOSER / PERFORMER. 27-track original motion picture soundtrack. Original compositions, featuring tracks by Garrett Wall, Nacho Campillo and Martin Ansell.
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Date: 1998Production (role): LLUVIA EN LOS ZAPATOSCompany: Virgin Records [UK]Project details: COMPOSER / PERFORMER. 13-track original motion picture soundtrack. Features one original composition, along with tracks by Lenny Kravitz, Papa Wemba, Alpha Blondy, Salif Keita, Zap Mama, Buju Banton, Mendo y Fuster and Ángel Illarramendi.
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Date: 1996Production (role): RAGING CLOWNSCompany: iRecords [UK]Project details: COMPOSER / PERFORMER. 10-track album. Original compositions.
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Date: 1994Production (role): DESPITE MYSELFCompany: Mauve [UK]Project details: COMPOSER / PERFORMER. 12-track album. Original compositions. Produced by Mike Howlett, formerly of The Affair, Gong and Strontium 90.
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Date: 1990Production (role): A PETRIFIED FORESTCompany: Conspiracy Records [UK], Rough Trade [UK]Project details: COMPOSER / PERFORMER. 11-track album. Original compositions. Vinyl-only release. Reviewed favourably by Melody Maker and the NME. Performed in supporting slots for Tori Amos, Melissa Etheridge and John Martyn.
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DatePublication (role)CompanyProject details
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Date: 2010Production (role): EMPTY FLOORS
(Pisos vacíos)Company: Caballo De Troya (Penguin Random House)Project details: WRITER. Short story collection.