Any event that combines tapas and Spanish cinema shoots to the top of our priorities list, so when we got word that a new monthly film series called Pata Negra was launching at Texas Theatre and doling out tapas, we showed up unattractively hungry, with napkin in hand. For a city with such a large and vibrant Spanish-speaking community, it's surprising that Dallas isn't home to more programs catering films around the language. The fellas behind Pata Negra thought so too, so they've stepped in to fill that void by showcasing the work of Spanish filmmakers while feeding us regional snacketizers. Basically, the first Sunday of each month just got a lot cooler.
Organizers Javier Garcia del Moral and Paco Vique, both natives of Spain, moved to the Lone Star State four years ago. Texas Theatre quickly became one of their favorite haunts due to its propensity for exploratory film endeavors and plush interior. Soon, the idea for a Spanish cinema series was born.
"Texans are very receptive to Spanish culture," Garcia said. "This film series is an awesome opportunity to give Dallas more exposure to it." The first showing of the series featured the Pedro Almodóvar flick All About my Mother. But Garcia said he plans to screen the lesser-known works of heavy-hitter film directors such as Álex de la Iglesia, Fernando León de Aranoa, Luis García Berlanga, and Julio Medem.
The event kicked off with celebratory tapas catered by Dallas' Si Tapas restaurant. Among the delectable little meals were gazpacho, chorizo, and arroz con leche served in adorable, teeny cups. Particularly scrumptious were the huevos con pimientos made with peppers from Garcia's hometown, La Rioja.
Garcia and Vique have even bigger things in store for the next Pata Negra Film Session: Si Tapas' very own food truck will make its debut and offer "more sophisticated" Spanish cuisine. The next installment of the series is scheduled for July 1. Bring a little cash to sample goodies from the mobile tapas unit and slide into a comfy chair. You won't need a passport for this journey, Spain just came to you.
