Txotx (1997)
A tense Basque short film set in a cider house, where a night of revelry takes a dark and unexpected turn.
Txotx - Movie Information
- Original Title: Txotx
- Release Year: 1997
- Directed by: Asier Altuna, Telmo Esnal
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama
- Runtime: 15m
- Original Language: Basque
- Spoken Languages: Basque
- Release Date (Theatrical): January 1, 1997 (Spain)
- Production Companies: Alokatu S.L.
- Production Countries: Spain
Txotx - Plot
In a cider house deep in the heart of the Basque Country, a group of friends in drunken bliss are about to find out the dark side of this special place.
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Txotx - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Asier Altuna
- Telmo Esnal
Main Cast
- Anartz Zuazua
- Paco Sagarzazu
- Kandido Uranga
- Arantxa Izeta
- José María Escobar
- Mikel Laskurain
- Josu Garmendia
Writers
- Asier Altuna
- Telmo Esnal
Producers
- Txepe Lara
Txotx - FAQs
What is Txotx about?
Txotx is set in a traditional Basque cider house, where a group of friends are enjoying a night of drunken celebration. As the evening unfolds, the festive atmosphere gives way to something far more unsettling, revealing the darker undercurrents lurking beneath the surface of this beloved cultural gathering place.
Who directed the short film Txotx?
Txotx was co-directed by Asier Altuna and Telmo Esnal, two Basque filmmakers who also co-wrote the script. The pair would go on to collaborate on further projects, building a reputation for intimate, culturally rooted storytelling from the Basque Country.
When was Txotx released?
Txotx was released on January 1, 1997, in Spain. It is a short film running just 15 minutes, produced by Alokatu S.L. and spoken entirely in Basque, making it a distinctive and culturally significant piece of Basque cinema from the late 1990s.
Who are the main actors in Txotx?
The cast of Txotx includes Anartz Zuazua, Paco Sagarzazu, Kandido Uranga, Arantxa Izeta, José María Escobar, Mikel Laskurain, and Josu Garmendia. Several of these performers are well-known figures in Basque theater and film, lending the short film an authentic regional character.
What language is Txotx filmed in?
Txotx is filmed entirely in Basque (Euskara), the ancient and unique language of the Basque Country in northern Spain. This linguistic choice gives the film a strong sense of cultural identity and roots it firmly within the traditions and atmosphere of the Basque region.
How long is the short film Txotx?
Txotx runs for just 15 minutes, making it a compact short film. Despite its brief runtime, it manages to build atmosphere and tension effectively, using the intimate setting of a Basque cider house to explore themes of community, celebration, and the unexpected darkness that can surface in familiar places.
What is a txotx and why does it matter here?
In Basque culture, 'txotx' is the traditional call shouted in a sagardotegi (cider house) to signal that a barrel is open and guests should fill their glasses. It is a deeply communal ritual tied to celebration and togetherness — making it a richly ironic title for a film that turns that warmth into something sinister.
What are some films similar to Txotx?
If Txotx appeals to you, you might enjoy other intimate, culturally grounded dramas such as About Dry Grasses (2023), Prayers for the Stolen (2021), A Tale of Three Sisters (2019), A Wedding (2017), and Between Two Worlds (2022) — all films that explore community, tension, and the human condition in deeply specific settings.
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