Valley of the Fallen (2024)
Much more than just the world's largest Cross: the Valley of the Fallen [Valle de los Caídos] is history carved in stone. It's the Basilica, the abbey, the College-Choir School, the guesthouse. Besides being a place of worship, since 1958 it has been home to about twenty Benedictine monks. Some of the first ones still live there. It also housed, until 1982, the Centro de Estudios Sociales [Center for Social Studies]. All of this is now under threat. This documentary aims to shed light on the history and significance of the Valley of the Fallen, explaining when, how, and why it was built, while debunking the main myths surrounding it.
Seasons & Episode
The first part, with a more historical focus, features contributions from Mr. Pablo Linares, president of the Association for the Defense of the Valley of the Fallen, and the prestigious historian and Valley expert Mr. Alberto Bárcena.
The second part is dedicated to monastic life in the Benedictine Abbey, featuring interviews with the prior, Mr. Santiago Cantera, the emeritus abbot Fray Anselmo, and the young Fray José Antonio. This part primarily focuses on the monks' work, their daily activities, their particular vocation, and the reasons why they live in the Valley.
