Thesis(Tesis)

What the 23-year-old Alejandro Amenábar achieved with his first film is shocking – quite literally, given the spine-chilling thriller that won seven Goya Awards. Starring Ana Torrent as a student preparing a thesis on audiovisual violence, the horror gradually unfolds when she becomes the next potential victim, as her research turns into a murder investigation after obtaining a possibly real snuff film. Drawing parallels with Haneke's Benny's Video in its reflection on voyeurism and the violent spectacle of the mass media, this sleek thriller incorporates timely humour and sharp criticism of our morbid interest in producing and watching violent images. This debut sets a record in horror film history, and puts Amenábar on the path to success, culminating in an Oscar win for The Sea Inside.

Goya Awards: 7 awards including Best Film, Best New Director, Best New Actor and Best Original Screenplay