
While best known for his role as Spain's Minister of Culture and his election to the Académie Goncourt, Jorge Semprún Maura's career spanned screenwriting and political organizing during Spain's tumultuous transition from dictatorship to democracy. This article explores the movies and television shows that emerged from his influential writing career, highlighting the projects that established him as a prominent figure in both art and politics.
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Films
1. The War Is Over

In the 1966 drama "The War Is Over" (La guerre est finie), Diego faces a difficult mission when he becomes a high-ranking figure in the Spanish Communist Party. After escaping arrest at the border, he must navigate the political landscape of both Madrid and Paris to find his comrade and prevent him from falling into enemy hands. This thrilling film delves into the complexities of political intrigue set against the backdrop of the Cold War era.
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IMDb Rating: 7.3
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TMDb Rating: 6.4
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Release Date: 1966-05-11
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Runtime: 117.0 minutes
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Original Language: fr
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Origin Country: ["FR", "SE"]
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Status: Released
2. A Grin Without a Cat

Dive into the world of global political upheaval with "A Grin Without a Cat". Released in 1977, this French essay film showcases the tumultuous world of the 1960s and '70s, specifically exploring the rise of the New Left in France and the emergence of socialist movements in Latin America. With no budget or revenue listed, it's safe to say this documentary has left a memorable and enlightening mark on its viewers.
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IMDb Rating: 7.9
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TMDb Rating: 7.7
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Metacritic Rating: 81.0
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Release Date: 1977-11-23
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Runtime: 180.0 minutes
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Original Language: fr
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Origin Country: ["FR"]
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Status: Released
3. You Speak of Prague: The Second Trial of Artur London

In 1971, "You Speak of Prague: The Second Trial of Artur London" delved into the intriguing story of Artur London, a man wrongfully imprisoned in a Stalinist purge and sentenced through a manipulative trial. This gripping documentary explores the controversy surrounding the film "Costa-Gavras' The Confession" and sheds light on the political significance of filmmaking. Discover the shocking truth and the impact of truth in the art of filmmaking through this enlightening and thought-provoking journey.
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TMDb Rating: 6.2
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Release Date: 1971-06-15
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Runtime: 31.0 minutes
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Original Language: fr
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Origin Country: ["FR"]
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Status: Released
4. Inside a Nazi Mind: The Kindly Ones by Jonathan Littell

This 2023 documentary examines Jonathan Littell's controversial novel "The Kindly Ones" (2006), which presents the Shoah (Holocaust) through the eyes of Maximilian Aue, a high-ranking Nazi officer. The film analyzes how Littell's work reveals the psychological mechanisms that enabled Nazi brutality.
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TMDb Rating: 7.2
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Release Date: 2023-11-15
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Runtime: 56.0 minutes
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Original Language: fr
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Origin Country: ["FR"]
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Status: Released
5. Valérian, histoire d'une création

Travel through space and time with Valérian as he uncovers the untold story behind a legendary creation. From the streets of Paris to distant galaxies, this French tale weaves together adventure and mystery across multiple realities.
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TMDb Rating: 7.0
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Release Date: 2017-07-25
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Original Language: fr
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Origin Country: ["FR"]
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Status: Released
6. Les Deux mémoires

Experience the enchanting world of Les Deux mémoires, a captivating French film released in 1974. This mystical masterpiece explores the intricate connection between two seemingly unrelated memories, leading viewers on an extraordinary journey filled with suspense and wonder. Les Deux mémoires is a timeless classic that will leave you spellbound - don't miss out on this extraordinary cinematic experience.
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IMDb Rating: 7.7
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TMDb Rating: 6.0
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Release Date: 1974-02-27
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Runtime: 141.0 minutes
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Original Language: fr
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Origin Country: ["FR"]
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Status: Released
7. The Many Lives of Jorge Semprún

This heartfelt documentary chronicles the extraordinary journey of Jorge Semprún, who wore many hats throughout his remarkable life. From the son of a republican intellectual to a survivor of Buchenwald, the documentary explores his experiences as a young exile during the Spanish Civil War, a clandestine communist operative under Franco's dictatorship, and ultimately an influential writer, screenwriter, and filmmaker.
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TMDb Rating: 6.0
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Release Date: 2023-12-06
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Runtime: 81.0 minutes
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Original Language: es
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Origin Country: ["FR", "ES"]
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Status: Released
8. Rush - Voyage à Moscou

French filmmaker Chris Marker captured this unprecedented look at Moscow during Perestroika, preserving Marker's own archival footage of the city. _shot through his camcorder during a screening of L'Aveu, this raw documentary offers an intimate, nearly unedited window onto the capital's transformation in 1990.
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Release Date: 1990-02-03
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Runtime: 109.0 minutes
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Original Language: fr
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Origin Country: ["FR"]
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Status: Released
TV Shows
1. Apostrophes

Apostrophes, a captivating French talk show, captivated viewers for fifteen mesmerizing years. Hosted by the enigmatic Bernard Pivot, the program dived deep into the literary world, featuring interviews, discussions, and more. Broadcasted on Friday nights, this one-hour show attracted around 6 million regular viewers and ran on the channel France 2. With a staggering 724 episodes, this enduring classic explored the realms of literature, engrossing the audience week after week. Don't miss your chance to relive this iconic talk show experience.
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Original Name: Apostrophes
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TMDb Rating: 8.5
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Languages: ["fr"]
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Episode Runtime: [70]
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Status: Ended
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Origin Country: ["FR"]
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Original Language: fr
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Type: Talk Show
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First Air Date: 1975-01-10
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Last Air Date: 1990-06-22
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Number of Seasons: 16
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Number of Episodes: 724
2. Vivement dimanche

Dive into the animated world of "Vivement dimanche" and be captivated by their enthralling updates and engaging entertainment for over twenty years! This captivating French talk show, now in its impressive 22nd season, continues to captivate audiences with insightful discussions and compelling commentary. Discovering interviews with distinguished personalities alongside heartwarming tales, "Vivement dimanche" provides a stimulating Sunday routine for all age groups!
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Original Name: Vivement dimanche
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TMDb Rating: 2.8
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Languages: ["fr"]
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Episode Runtime: []
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Status: Returning Series
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In Production: 1
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Origin Country: ["FR"]
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Original Language: fr
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Type: Talk Show
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First Air Date: 1998-09-20
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Last Air Date: 2020-07-26
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Number of Seasons: 22
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Number of Episodes: 758
3. Lo + plus

Lo + plus is a captivating Spanish TV series from 1995, where the world is divided between two characters: Lo and Plus. Set against the backdrop of a surreal landscape, this single-episode saga blends surrealism and humor, challenging the boundaries of reality. While the plot may seem simple, the series offers a unique, otherworldly experience that will leave you wondering.
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Original Name: Lo + plus
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Languages: ["es"]
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Episode Runtime: [60]
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Status: Ended
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Origin Country: ["ES"]
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Original Language: es
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Type: Scripted
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First Air Date: 1995-04-04
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Last Air Date: 1995-04-04
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Number of Seasons: 1
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Number of Episodes: 1
4. Literatur im Foyer
Experience the magic of literature with "Literatur im Foyer" - a captivating German talk show that has graced the screens for 13 seasons. First airing in 2000, the show has hosted 35 engaging episodes, delving deep into the world of literature and its fascinating authors. This intellectual delight has now come to an end, but its legacy lives on, leaving viewers with a desire to explore the depths of the written word. Join us on this literary journey and discover the wonders that lie in the pages of your favorite books.
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Original Name: Literatur im Foyer
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Languages: ["de"]
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Episode Runtime: []
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Status: Canceled
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Origin Country: ["DE"]
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Original Language: de
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Type: Talk Show
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First Air Date: 2000-12-03
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Last Air Date: 2013-01-10
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Number of Seasons: 13
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Number of Episodes: 35