'Zuretzako', by Javi Zubizarreta, to show in San Sebastian

The latest work from Basque-American director Javi Zubizarreta, "Zuretzako" ("For You"), will show at the 5th World Basque Conference held in Donostia-San Sebastian's Kursaal Conference Center November 3rd, 4th and 5th.

The 60 minute movie, which stars Javi's father Luis and his brother Josu, had the working title "What Aitxitxe Said", a reference to the film's protagonist, Javi's grandfather 'Aitxitxe' Joaquin (played by Luis), the first Zubizarreta to emigrate to the US in 1935.

The Boise director presented Zuretzako in Boise last August in front of a crowded Egyptian Theater. "The show over here was amazing. It was an audience of family and friends, people I grew up with, and for them it was their story as well," Javi explains.

On Wednesday, it will be the first time Zuretzako is screened outside the United States, something Javi is really excited about. "Now, the real challenge is to show it over there. At least, in my mind it is. Because you are always worried about what they will say about the American Basque, our experience, the language," the Basque-American director recounts.

Zuretzako starts in 1935, though it later shifts to 1955 when Joaquin is back in the Basque Country with his wife and children and must leave them once again. The action then moves to 1975, when his own son Luis (played by Josu) comes to America to herd with him. Father and son must deal with the fact that they haven't seen each other for many years.

"Years alone in the mountains have turned Joaquin quiet," says the 22-year-old director. "Despite his efforts, Joaquin's son Luis eventually joins him herding... Joaquin wants his son to have a better life, his son simply wants a relationship with his dad."

Zubizarreta enjoyed previous success with his documentary Artzainak: Shepherds and Sheep, which takes a look at the history of shepherding on the Idaho hills near where he grew up. Artzainak will also show at the Basque Diaspora congress.