‘Historias del buen valle’, directed by José Luis Guerin, is a visually striking film that won the Special Jury Prize at the San Sebastián International Film Festival. It presents a nostalgic portrait of a quasi-anachronistic area caught between the rural and the urban, marked by train tracks. The film opens with stunning black-and-white imagery filmed with a Super 8 camera, depicting a quaint neighborhood with old houses and a meandering river surrounded by lush, untamed vegetation. The visuals are complemented by ambient sounds and a melancholic jazz score, setting a reflective tone for the unfolding narrative.

The film delves into the lives of the residents of Vallbona, a neighborhood in the outskirts of Barcelona, and captures the essence of their existence amidst urban encroachment. Through its mosaic-like storytelling, the film highlights the beauty of everyday life and the resilience of those who inhabit this marginal space. Guerin's work is characterized by a deep appreciation for the natural elements, as seen through the poetic references to the wind and its gentle movement through the trees, echoing past cinema's focus on the beauty of nature.

Ultimately, ‘Historias del buen valle’ stands as a testament to the narratives that often go unnoticed in popular culture. It encapsulates the struggles and triumphs of those living on society's fringes, presenting their stories with dignity and artistry. By showcasing these lives, the film urges viewers to consider the wider implications of urban development and the importance of preserving historical and cultural identities in the face of modernization.