What inspired you to create the nine-part series ‘Euskal Herria Hegan’?

We have always enjoyed making documentaries, and it seemed wonderful to us to create a series that combines history and nature: it is a very rewarding challenge to introduce people to the history of our country, its most beautiful places, hidden corners, and legends.

Viewing Euskal Herria from the air offers a completely different way of approaching our territory; with spectacular aerial footage, the landscapes reveal their true scale. It is a perspective we don’t normally use when visiting these places, and it allows us to better understand the richness of our landscapes and cities, which for us is magical.

We love our country dearly, and it has been very exciting and enriching to show it both to those who live here and to visitors from afar. Of course, during this journey, while making this documentary series, we have also learned a great deal about history and discovered new places… and that has also been very rewarding, especially working with experts such as the historian Juanma Cembellin, Toti Mtz. de Lezea, or Santi Yaniz.

Then, in collaboration with ETB, when we saw the opportunity to work with Fernando Velázquez, it became even more interesting. In fact, it seemed wonderful to work with symphonic music: it will be the first time that symphonic music has been composed and recorded specifically for a documentary series.

The first episode focus on Gipuzkoa: what was the process like filming from the air and conveying the essence of the region?

On one hand, it was very beautiful, as we filmed stunning locations and enjoyed seeing our country, its mountains, and the sea from above. In addition, many people collaborated during the recordings: local councils, associations… From the Bateleras of Pasajes to the Zumaia choir, the residents of Hondarribia, and the rowers of Orio… Many people wanted to take part in the documentary, and we are very grateful for all the help and involvement they provided.

On the other hand, it was also challenging, because in fifty minutes it is impossible to include all the places and all of the history. We had to make choices, and we tried to do so in the best and most balanced way possible. We hope that viewers respond positively to the decisions we made.

What message or experience do you hope to convey with this first episode?

We want it to be a beautiful audiovisual experience; our aim is for people to say, “I’ve had such a wonderful time, I’ve discovered stunning places, heard fascinating stories, and enjoyed the music! Now I want to watch the next episode!”

What does it mean for ‘Gipuzkoa Hegan’ to be screened at the EITB Gala of the San Sebastián Film Festival?

We are very pleased to be able to present the tremendous work the team has done in front of an audience, and it seems incredible to experience the documentary live; listening to the Navarra Symphony Orchestra perform the music of a documentary live is not something you get to enjoy every day, and that is wonderful! It feels like a new and fascinating experience, and we also believe it serves as a kind of tribute to everyone who has participated in the documentary. We are very happy.

It should be noted that, within the Gipuzkoa chapter, there are three performances, and Olatz Salvador will sing her piece live at the premiere, accompanied by the Navarra Symphony Orchestra.

What can we expect from the upcoming episodes of the series ‘Euskal Herria Hegan’?

We expect the same as from the Gipuzkoa chapter: beautiful imagery, excellent music, and exciting stories and narratives. After watching the episode, there will be many places and landscapes that will make us want to visit, and that is what we will see and experience. Euskal Herria has wonderful locations, and seeing them from the air offers a different perspective because it combines two unusual dimensions: panoramic views from the sky and exploration of the space from within. It will be a way to rediscover Euskal Herria with a fresh and intimate perspective.

Similarly, flying over emblematic buildings—spaces that are part of our history and identity, many of which are not usually open to the public—and exploring their interiors will allow us to reveal architectural details and curiosities that complete the vision of the documentary. All of this is accompanied by beautiful music and captivating performances, with the participation of many prominent Basque singers performing traditional Basque songs.