Tuesday, June 10------One of the more arresting posters on display during Festroia is of an impossibly handsome young man who plays the lead in the Spanish film THIEVES (LADRONES). The film, directed by Jaime Marques, had its world premiere at the Malaga Film Festival, where it won the Special Jury Award. It has been a hit on the Festival circuit, winning a C.I.C.A.Ê. Award at the Locarno International Film Festival.

The follows the story of Alex, who has spent his childhood in an orphanage and now wants to start life anew. But it only takes him a few days to remember what his mother taught him...how to make a living as a pickpocket. When Alex tries to rip off food in a supermarket, he encounters college student Sara, who also gets excited by committing the occassional theft herself. The two team up for practical reasons and a mutual attraction.

The film is screening in the First Works section and based on the female and male reaction to the poster of sexy star Juan Jose Ballesta, the film is a serious contender.

Sandy Mandelberger, Festroia Dailies Editor