Watch 30 Years of Darkness

30 Years of Darkness is a Spanish documentary film that tells the story of a man who spent his life isolated from society in a cave. The documentary employs a blend of interviews, archival footage and reenactments in order to bring together a narrative that is both heartfelt and historically fascinating. The movie is set in the early 1960s in the remote village of Espejo, in the region of Andalusia, Spain. Here, a man named Manuel Blanco Romasanta (Joaquín Furriel) lived in a small cave in the Sierra de Malaga mountain range for thirty years. He lived in complete isolation from society and kept himself hidden from the rest of the world. He was only discovered by chance when two hikers stumbled upon him in 1983.

The documentary tells the story of Manuel's life, starting with his childhood in the village of A Ribeiraos, in the region of Galicia. The film explains his life and what led him to isolation, starting with his difficult childhood - his mother was the village prostitute and his father was an abusive drunkard. His childhood was difficult, and he was subjected to physical and sexual abuse. The trauma he suffered led him to retreat into his own world, where he found solace in reading and playing the guitar.

As he grew older, Manuel's mental state deteriorated, and he became increasingly withdrawn. Eventually, he decided to leave his village and live in isolation in the mountains. He lived in a cave, where he spent his days hunting, foraging, and meditating. He refused to have any contact with the outside world and believed that he was protected from evil spirits.

The documentary features interviews with Manuel's family, friends, and acquaintances, some of whom had never spoken publicly before. Their stories contribute to a fuller picture of his life, particularly in relation to his mental health. The film explores the possibility that Manuel suffered from a mental illness, and the condition may have contributed to his isolation.

The archival footage used in the documentary also provides an interesting historical backdrop to Manuel's life. The film takes us through the Spanish Civil War, World War II, and the period of Franco's dictatorship. By doing so, we get a glimpse into life in Andalusia during this time, including the poverty and hardship that many people faced.

The film is also interesting in the way it explores some of the myths and legends that grew up around Manuel. Rumours and stories spread about him, some of which were based on actual events, while others were fabricated. The documentary examines the origins of some of these stories and tries to separate fact from fiction.

Finally, the documentary examines the events that led to Manuel's discovery, and the media sensation that followed. When he was found, he was brought back to civilization and put on trial for several crimes, including murder. The trial was controversial, and there was much debate about whether or not he was responsible for the crimes he was accused of. The filmmakers do an excellent job of examining the evidence and presenting the different viewpoints.

Overall, 30 Years of Darkness is a fascinating documentary that offers a unique insight into the life of an isolated individual who spent three decades living in a cave. Through interviews, archival footage, and reenactments, the film paints a vivid picture of Manuel Blanco Romasanta's life, and the society and history that shaped it. The film is both thought-provoking and deeply moving, and it is a testament to the power of documentary filmmaking.