COSTA BRAVA

Set in Barcelona, this lesbian romantic comedy is a charming and refreshing tale of two women and their budding relationship. Anna (Marta Balletbo-Coll) is a Catelonian actress day-jobbing as a tour guide. Montserrat (Desi del Valle), a young University professor, has just been appointed to a teaching position in Barcelona and is uncertain about her sexuality. After the two meet on a tour, they begin an affair, despite Anna's lingering feelings for a former flame. They've moved in when crises arise: Montserrat faces a likely career move abroad, while Anna gains little headway in attempts to mount her stage monologue either at home or with a US touring company. A clever mix of low-budget narrative and 35mm gloss, lesbian humor and closet sensibilities, this quirky love story features the gorgeous scenery of coastal Spain, as well as fine performances by Balletbo-Coll and del Valle. In English.