Albert Serra

Albert Serra Juanola (born 9 October 1975 in Banyoles, Catalonia, Spain) is a singular force in contemporary independent cinema, known for his radical classicist approach that blends austere visual composition with lyrical mythic storytelling. Emerging from the vibrant Catalan avant‑garde, Serra founded the production company Andergraun Films with Montse Triola in 2003, a platform that has enabled him to maintain complete artistic control over his daring projects. His early works, such as the experimental Birdsong (2008), earned early recognition at Cannes Directors’ Fortnight and set the tone for a career marked by formal daring, long takes, and a fascination with historical figures caught in moments of transcendence. Serra’s breakthrough came with Story of My Death (2013), a loose adaptation of the legend of the Hungarian Countess Elizabeth Báthory that won the Golden Leopard at Locarno and showcased his ability to fuse horror folklore with existential contemplation. This was followed by The Death of Louis XIV (2016), starring cinema legend Jean‑Pierre Léaud, which garnered international festival selections in Toronto and New York and secured the prestigious Prix Jean Vigo. His 2022 film Pacifiction continued his exploration of power and silence, earning the FIPRESCI Prize at Tromsø and being named the best film of the year by Cahiers du Cinéma. Throughout his oeuvre, Serra has consistently received accolades for his daring vision, including multiple FIPRESCI awards, Barcelona Cinema Awards, and recognition from the International Cinephile Society. Beyond feature films, he creates immersive installations and documentary works such as Afternoons of Solitude (2024), cementing his reputation as a multifaceted auteur who persistently challenges conventional narrative structures while honoring the rich heritage of European art cinema.