In “De que casa eres“, Ana Perez Quiroga brings to light the little-known story of thousands of Basque children exiled to the Soviet Union before WWII, through the personal journey of Angelita Perez.
Blending rare archival footage and emotional testimony, the film explores the lasting impact of war, exile, and the search for identity, highlighting both the wounds left behind and the strength to endure.
Ana recounts her extensive research in Soviet and Spanish archives and reflects on the symbolic presence of Eisenstein’s Battleship Potemkin.
The film is also a tender collaboration with her mother, whose memories anchor the narrative. Together, they explore generational trauma and the enduring power of storytelling.
Plot
“¿De qué casa eres? (What do you consider home?)” was the question faced by around 3,000 Spanish children exiled in the Soviet Union during the Spanish Civil War. This film tells the story of Angelita Perez, who lived in a Russian boarding school from the age of 4 to 24, until she completed her medical studies. It is a story of resilience, love, and identity, intertwining past and present. It also explores the bond between a mother and daughter through shared songs and stories.