‘Carte Blanche’ Director Gerardo Herrero Discusses Blowback of Spain’s War in Morocco and Rise of Franco
'Carte Blanche' is a thriller directed by Gerardo Herrero that examines the forgotten Rif War between Spain and Morocco in 1921, focusing on a Spanish Legion unit's brutal mission. The film highlights the psychological toll of war and its role in shaping future Spanish authoritarianism. It draws connections between the conflict's dehumanizing violence and the rise of Francisco Franco.
- ▪The film 'Carte Blanche' is based on a novel by Lorenzo Silva and follows a Spanish Legion unit during the 1921 Rif War in Morocco.
- ▪An estimated 40,000 Spanish soldiers died in the conflict, with Moroccan casualties likely much higher.
- ▪The Rif War helped elevate Francisco Franco, who later led the Nationalist forces in the Spanish Civil War and ruled as dictator for nearly 40 years.
- ▪Characters in the film represent real historical figures, including Franco and José Millán-Astray, founders of the Spanish Legion.
- ▪Director Gerardo Herrero criticizes the lack of cinematic depictions of the Rif War, calling it a largely untold but significant chapter in Spanish history.
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| Original publisher | Variety |
| Canonical URL | https://variety.com/2026/film/festivals/carte-blanche-gerardo-herrero-rif-war-shooting-in-almeria-1236750102/ |
| Publication time | Sat, 16 May 2026 12:01:09 +0000 |
| Retrieval time | 2026-05-16T12:10:18.449Z |
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Home Film Festivals May 16, 2026 5:01am PT ‘Carte Blanche’ Director Gerardo Herrero Discusses Blowback of Spain’s War in Morocco and Rise of Franco The film follows a Spanish Legion unit on a fateful mission during the bloody 1921 Rif War that resulted in the deaths of some 40,000 Spanish soldiers and an unknown but likely much higher number of Moroccan casualties By Ed Meza Plus Icon Ed Meza @edmezavar Latest Lightcraft’s Upcoming Animated Feature ‘Wonderland’ Expanding Into TV With Louis Serkis Leading Voice Cast (EXCLUSIVE) 2 days ago Berlin-Based Data-Driven Submission Platform Miralot Aims to Better Connect Filmmakers and Festivals (EXCLUSIVE) 3 days ago Cannes’ Fantastic Pavilion Expands Global Genre Ambitions Amid Growing Attendance, Honors Xavier Gens With Key Award (EXCLUSIVE) 1…
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