Félix Viscarre’s *Blanco* Film to Explore Miguel Ángel Blanco’s Murder and ETA’s Legacy Ahead of 2027 Release

Spanish filmmaker Félix Viscarre, known for co-directing HBO Europe’s critically acclaimed Patria, is set to helm a new film titled Blanco—a dramatic retelling of the 1997 abduction and murder of Basque councillor Miguel Ángel Blanco by the separatist group ETA. The project, produced by Nadie es Perfecto Producciones in collaboration with journalists Jon Sistiaga and Jimmy Guerra—will premiere in 2027, coinciding with the 30th anniversary of Blanco’s death. The film aims to dissect both the political and human dimensions of a tragedy that galvanized Spain against terrorism.

Why This Story Matters: ETA’s Last Major Victim and the Turning Point Against Terrorism

Miguel Ángel Blanco’s murder in July 1997 became a defining moment in Spain’s struggle against ETA. The separatist group, which sought independence for the Basque region, had carried out violent campaigns for decades, but Blanco’s killing sparked unprecedented national outrage. Mass protests erupted across Spain, with millions taking to the streets in a show of unity against terrorism. The backlash contributed to a decline in ETA’s public support, ultimately leading to its dissolution in 2018.

Viscarre’s Blanco will draw from firsthand accounts, including testimony from journalists who covered the event live. The film is positioned not just as a historical drama but as a meditation on the power of collective resistance—a narrative that resonates deeply in Spain today, where debates about memory, reconciliation, and the legacy of ETA remain contentious.

Key Figures Behind the Project

• Félix Viscarre – Director and co-creator of Patria, HBO Europe’s first Spanish original series, which explored the personal toll of ETA violence.
• Kiko Martínez – Producer at Nadie es Perfecto Producciones, a company behind over 40 films and TV series, including Fenómenos (2023) and Disco, Ibiza, Locomía (2024).
• Jon Sistiaga and Jimmy Guerra – Investigative journalists whose reporting on Blanco’s case will inform the film’s narrative.

Production Details and Release Timeline

Filming for Blanco is set to begin in September 2026, with a planned 2027 release timed to mark the 30th anniversary of Blanco’s murder. The project is being billed as a dual exploration: one of the political climate that allowed ETA to operate, and the other of the human stories behind the tragedy. According to Deadline, the film will incorporate archival footage and interviews to ground its portrayal in lived experience.

Nadie es Perfecto Producciones, founded in 2000, has established itself as a leading force in Spanish cinema, blending historical drama with contemporary relevance. Their upcoming slate includes Pioneras. Solo Querían Jugar, Looking for Michael, and Perfectos Conocidos, further cementing their role in shaping Spain’s cinematic landscape.

Connecting the Dots: Viscarre’s Evolution from *Patria* to *Blanco*

Viscarre’s transition from Patria to Blanco underscores a deliberate focus on ETA’s impact on Spanish society. The HBO series, which aired in 2018, centered on a family torn apart by the group’s violence, earning praise for its nuanced portrayal of trauma and solidarity. Blanco, however, shifts the lens to a pivotal moment that shifted public opinion irrevocably.

“This isn’t just a story about one man’s death,” said Kiko Martínez in a statement to Deadline. “It’s about the collective memory of a nation and how a single act of violence can change the course of history.”

Broader Context: Spain’s Ongoing Reckoning with ETA’s Legacy

While ETA officially disbanded in 2018, its legacy continues to shape Spain’s political and cultural discourse. Films like Blanco and Patria play a crucial role in preserving this history for younger generations, many of whom may not have lived through the height of the conflict. The project also arrives amid renewed debates about amnesty for former ETA members, a topic that remains divisive in Spain.

Netflix’s recent foray into Spanish-language content—including the upcoming Miguel Ángel Blanco: Las 48 Horas que lo Cambiaron Todo documentary and the Lobo miniseries about serial killer Manuel Blanco Romasanta—highlights the growing appetite for Spanish historical dramas. Blanco, with its blend of political thriller and human drama, is poised to occupy a unique space in this wave of storytelling.

What to Watch For: Upcoming Projects from Nadie es Perfecto

Beyond Blanco, Nadie es Perfecto Producciones has an ambitious pipeline, including:

• Pioneras. Solo Querían Jugar – Directed by Marta López Díaz, focusing on women’s sports history.
• Looking for Michael – A drama by Juana Macías, exploring themes of identity and belonging.
• Perfectos Conocidos – A comedy directed by Javier Fesser, adapting the beloved Spanish TV series.

These projects reflect the company’s ability to balance commercial appeal with socially resonant storytelling—a formula that has made Nadie es Perfecto a powerhouse in Spanish cinema.

FAQ: Key Questions About *Blanco*

1. What is the significance of Miguel Ángel Blanco’s murder in Spanish history?

Blanco’s death marked a turning point in Spain’s relationship with ETA. The nationwide protests that followed demonstrated unprecedented unity against terrorism, contributing to the group’s eventual decline in public support.

2. How will *Blanco* differ from *Patria*?

While Patria focused on the personal impact of ETA violence through a family drama, Blanco will center on a specific, pivotal event—the abduction and murder of Blanco—that had a catalytic effect on Spain’s political landscape.

3. Will the film include real interviews or archival footage?

Yes. The project will incorporate testimony from journalists who covered the event, as well as archival material, to ensure an authentic portrayal of the era.

4. Why is the release timed for 2027?

The 2027 release coincides with the 30th anniversary of Blanco’s murder, allowing the film to serve as both a historical reflection and a timely discussion on Spain’s ongoing reckoning with its past.

Final Thoughts: A Film That Could Redefine Spain’s Historical Narrative

Blanco arrives at a moment when Spain is grappling with how to remember its turbulent past. Viscarre’s film is not just a retelling of a tragedy but a call to confront the lessons of history. As Nadie es Perfecto Producciones continues to push boundaries in Spanish cinema, Blanco stands out as a project that could leave a lasting imprint on cultural memory.

With filming set to begin later this year, all eyes will be on how Viscarre and his team translate this complex chapter into a story that resonates with audiences both in Spain and beyond.