The film director Albert Serra, for his film Soledad afternoonsand the Royal Union of Bull Builders of Lidia (Ructl) have collected this morning the National Tauromaquia Award 2024, during an act held in the Senate, headed by Pedro Rollán, president of the Upper House, and Victorino Martín, on behalf of the Toro de Lidia Foundation.
The filmmaker assured in his speech that he wanted to “correspond to Andrés Roca Rey (present at the spot) in the best possible way, and for me it was to do it by creating the best work as a bullfighting film. Cinema is to reveal things that nobody expects and that record rigor and exceptionality. ”
For his part, Antonio Bañuelos, president of the farmers, said “the gratitude for receiving this award in such an important year for us, on our 120th anniversary. It is an honor to pick it up with Albert Serra, a culture representative in our country and outside our borders. I collect this award on behalf of 342 cattle ranchers of Lidia. This award means the effort, illusion and fear of all of them. ” The act began with the reading of the Jury Act by Victorino Martín, who thanked everyone “for making it possible for the sad censorship of some, we are here celebrating the culture in freedom.”
For his part, the bullfighter Andrés Roca Rey launched a message to the Minister of Culture: “Mr. Urtasun, I tell him that we are here. Bullfighting does not need its permission, because it continues with the strength of those who defend and work for it. Bullfighting is not defended from an office, but in the square and the brave field. ”
The president of the Senate affirmed in the closing that “bullfighting has illustrated writers, painters, musicians and film directors. An artistic expression that have been able to reflect from respect and commitment. In the world of bull there is no imposite, defending bullfighting is defending our history and our culture. ”
The act was attended by the president of Extremadura, María Guardiola, and numerous representatives of the world of bull such as the bullfighters Enrique Ponce, Cayetano, Emilio de Justo, Tomás Rufo or David Galván; Livestocks Juan Pedro Domecq, Ricardo del Río or Antonio and Eduardo Miura, businessmen, banderilleros, bullfighters and fans.
The National Tauromaquia Award was summoned by the Senate, the Junta de Andalucía, Cantabria, Region of Murcia, Community Valencian, Government of Aragon, Communities Board of Castilla-La Mancha, Board of Extremadura, Community of Madrid, Junta de Castilla y León and the Toro de Lidia Foundation, after its suppression by the Minister of Culture.