Built to burn, yet crafted as if to last forever: Fallas shows us that beauty lives not in permanence, but in the passion we give the moment.

In January and March 2025, I worked with RS-Film on producing an in-depths documentary covering Las Fallas Sostenibiles for the Franco-German canal ARTE. Las Fallas are Valencia’s most iconic and emotional festival and I was guiding the crew through the world of this vibrant celebration. My role included full support as a translator, cultural liaison & partial local fixer, cultural liaison.

The film about this year’s Fallas will be broadcast on ARTE on September 19th 2025 from 7:40 PM to 8:15 PM CEST.

Focus of the Documentary

We closely monitored the following major fallas and their creative teams:

1. “Or” – Falla Convento Jerusalén – Matemático Marzal by artist David Sánchez Llongo

2. “Reset” – Falla Sueca – Literato Azorín by artist Pedro Santaeulalia & Fogueres S.L.

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Scope

  • Translated live interviews and informal conversations on site.
  • Secured filming locations within Fallas communities (e.g., plantà, nit del foc, cremà).
  • Built direct connections with artists, local comisiones and falleras.
  • Helped adapt the narrative structure to evolving situations on the ground.
  • Ensured trust, cultural sensitivity, and seamless logistics for the production crew.
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Project Outcome

Thanks to deep local insights, great interviewees and trusted access, we were able to capture the intimate, emotional core of Fallas 2025  far beyond the spectacle and could gain insights also on ways to make them more sustainable.

My work enabled smooth collaboration between the crew and local communities, allowing the film to reflect both the artistic brilliance, human complexity of the festival and reflect also some critical voices. The documentary aires on ARTE during fall 2025.

“Judith was recommended to us by Maria from "Valencia für Deutsche" – a real hit! Judith was a perfect fit for the team, supported us professionally with great expertise, established valuable contacts, conducted interviews, translated content for me as the writer on the spot, and even navigated us quickly and efficiently from A to B. Along the way, she brought the city’s history and culture to life – and after shooting, she always knew where to find the best tapas and the most delicious Agua de Valencia, even late at night. Fantastic! We'd love to work with her again!”

J. Michael SchumacherRS-Film